Windows XP Dual Boot Linux Uninstall - MBR Issues

[Patrick Finnegan]

Windows XP Dual Boot Linux Un-install - MBR Issues

I have installed Suse and RedHat linux in a dual boot configuration with
Windows XP. There seems to be no uninstall utility included with these
distros and I had some issues restoring the default XP configuration
without an XP re-install. Here is the work around which may save others
in the same situation some time and effort.


1. Installation Configuration.

Assume that default Suse/Redhat linux has been installed over a default
Windows XP configuration and that suse/Redhat partition tools have been
used to install linux into a new ext2 formatted disk partition and
overwrite the MBR on the windows partition(/dev/hda1). Default boot
loader has been changed from Windows(NTLDR) to LILO and pc boots with
LILO "select OS splash screen". User is new to Linux.

2. Requirements.

Delete the linux partitions(s) , reformat as NTFS and make available to
XP. Restore the NTLDR bootloader.

3. Solution.

Insert an XP installation CD and enter setup mode. Choose the recovery
option and boot to the DOS command line. Execute the command "FIXMBR"
and reboot. The "FIXMBR" command re-initializes the MBR with NTLDR.
The LILO(select Os) screen no longer appears and the PC boots straight
into windows. The linux partitions appear in XP disk manager as
"unknown. Use Disk manager to reformat the linux partitions as NTFS and
assign a drive letter.

4, Issues.

Issuing the "lilo -u" command within Linux uninstalls the LILO
bootloader but may not successfully restore the original MBR. Rebooting
generates the infamous "LI" prompt and blank screen. Can reboot back
into Linux from linux boot floppy then re-install LILO which fixes the
MBR but user still has Linux splash screen when system reboots.

 

[Mike Lieser [MSFT]]

Hello Patrick,

The following article also describes how to remove the Linux LILO boot
manager.

315224 How to Remove the Linux LILO Boot Manager
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=315224

Regards,

Mike Lieser, MCSA, MCSE, CNA
Microsoft SBS Product Support

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

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[Rich Barry]

Thank You, Patrick this may come in handy if I decide to
remove the Red Hat distro