Windows XP does not boot after uninstalling Linux RH9.0

[Tolstyi]

Hello,

A little disclaimer: this problem is the consequence of my
own lack of knowledge...

I had a dual boot set up of Windows XP and Linux RH 9.0 on
my Dell Inspiron 8100. After removing Linux (by removing
Linux partitions with Partitio Magic), my computer does
not boot up into Windows since the MBR still contains GRUB
records. I cannot enter Repair Console from my Win XP
installation CD because I cannot get past the
Administrator password query. Can I still save my current
Win XP installation or is complete reinstall the only
option left? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank
you

 

[Rich Barry]

Try a Repair Install. http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Donald McDaniel]

Hello,

A little disclaimer: this problem is the consequence of my
own lack of knowledge...

I had a dual boot set up of Windows XP and Linux RH 9.0 on
my Dell Inspiron 8100. After removing Linux (by removing
Linux partitions with Partitio Magic), my computer does
not boot up into Windows since the MBR still contains GRUB
records. I cannot enter Repair Console from my Win XP
installation CD because I cannot get past the
Administrator password query. Can I still save my current
Win XP installation or is complete reinstall the only
option left? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank
you

Before doing a drastic thing like a repair install, do this;
1) Boot using the XP install CD
2) At the first prompt to Repair, choose to Repair. This will leave you in
the Repair Console.
3) Enter this command at the console prompt: "fixmbr" (without quotes)

You will receive a message to the effect that the Master Boot Record is not
standard, and the attempt to repair it could result in lost data. This is
true. It COULD result in lost data. But it probably won't. Just answer "Y"
at the "Y/N" prompt. I have used "fixmbr" several times to remove GRUB
after removing Linux. I have yet to incur any damage as a result of it.

If you can't remember your Administrator password, I don't know what to tell
you. Well, I do, but you probably don't want to hear me tell you to do a
complete "clean" install. I'm not sure you will be able to do a repair
install on a HD with a non-standard MBR, as you have at the moment.