Ubuntu

remove ubuntu from dual boot install system

Asked by eldergnome

I am trying to remove Ubuntu from a dual boot with Windows XP. I read that the first step was to run fdisk /MBR from the command line and then remove the partitions and then format the partitions. When I try to run the fdisk /MBR command I get an invalid command error message. I have tried running this command from Run and also from a command prompt. I have already copied my Home folder to an external drive so I can set Ubuntu up on my other computer. I really would like to avoid having to reinstall Windows on this machine. Any detailed instruction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Solved by:
marcobra (Marco Braida)
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Best marcobra (Marco Braida) (marcobra) said : 		#1

Boot your pc from the Ubuntu 10.04 live install cd and select to try Ubuntu
When Ubuntu is up select the menu System→Administration→Partition editor gparted
Or press ALT+F2 and type into opened dialog window: gparted

Now using gparted

Select from upper right listbox the /dev/... hard disk
Then select the etx3/etx4 right click with mouse on that partition and select delete, press "Apply"

Redo the same for the swap partition.

Shutdown Ubuntu remove Ubuntu CD and insert the Window XP cd

After if you are in trouble with starting of Windows

Boot from Win Cd

Will come to screen to setup or repair existing install press R to enter recovery console
You will be asked to choose install to repair enter number and you will get prompt
for admin password followed by: C:WINDOWS>

at this point type FIXMBR or HELP will give you list of options.

Reboot the pc...

Depending on what drive you have XP installed you might have to give an additional command: "fixboot x:" where "x:" represents the drive XP is installed.

See: www.microsoft.com/documentation/bootcons_fixmbr
And: www.microsoft.com/documentation/bootcons_fixboot

Please also read https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/69934

Revision history for this message
eldergnome (eldergnome) said : 		#2

Thanks marcobra (Marco Braida), that solved my question.