I messed up my computer. I need grub GONE

I had to reinstall windows (had to try several times due to a failing cd drive) but finally managed to do so choosing "delete everything on the hdd and reinstall windows".

well, it didn't delete everything. grub is still there and refuses to load. If I remember right it won't load without ubuntu but loading ubuntu via flashdrive ubuntu(9.10) was still there on the hdd. I tried installing it again but grub still will not load and just hangs saying "grub loading..." . so now I can't use windows or ubuntu on the hdd. What can I do to completely remove everything on the hdd and restore windows?

edit: there is a recovery partition on the hdd that can only be used with the recovery cd's(3) geeksquad gave me. Keeping this partition would be very nice.

 

You only need to delete the partition that had grub on it. Doing so will remove everything on that partition. The two tools I use most frequently for such tasks are Gparted and Windows Disk Management (in the control panel).

If you use Gparted, download the Live CD image file, burning it to a disc. It's a bootable disc.

 

I would use the windows disk management but I can't get into windows since grub doesn't load. How can I figure out which partition grub is in?


off topic: omg! that robot in your avatar. I loved the movie he was in, but I can't remember what it was called XD

 

Yeah, sorry I just realized that.

I'd recommend proceeding using Gparted. Once you have it running, post here with the partition labels, sizes and file systems it shows. We can help figure out which one it was.

Edit: Short Circuit. Johnny 5 is alive!

 

in order of appearance:

Partition.......File system....label......................size
unallocated...unallocated...none.......................1MiB
/dev/sda1.....ntfs.............PQSERVICE..............11.72GiB
/dev/sda2.....ntfs.............SYSTEM RESERVED...100MiB
/dev/sda3.....ntfs.............Gateway.................242.16GiB
unallocated...unallocated...none......................3.98MiB
/dev/sda4.....extended......none......................44.11GiB
/dev/sda7.....ext4............none......................19.15GiB
/dev/sda8.....linux-swap....none......................902.06MiB
/dev/sda5.....unknown......none......................23.03GiB
/dev/sda6.....linux-swap....none......................1.04GiB

 

Sda7 (ext4) is likely the partition with GRUB on it. However, given the list, my assumption is that everything within the extended partition (sda4) was created during the Ubuntu installation. (Sda5-8 are all logical partitions within the extended partition, sda4.) It concerns me that sda5 is unknown, so I'm a bit nervous to recommend blindly removing it. However, it appears to me:

sda1: Recovery partition
sda2: Windows Boot area/Recovery environment
sda3: Windows (C:/)
sda4: Extended partition with sda5-8 responsible for linux only

If you agree with that assessment, removing sda4-8 should do the trick. Note that doing so would remove all files stored within those partitions.

After proceeding with any such removal, you may need to repair the Windows boot loader before everything is right again. I'd use the Windows installation disc to access the "startup repair" tool.

 

Sounds reasonable enough . So Ubuntu and grub will be wiped off and the space is returned to be used in windows? Or do I have to resize myself?

thanks for the help. You've my new favorite XD *hugs*

 

Are you sure you are using windows installation disk not restore disk? A normal windows installation will allow select which partition not erase whole disk.

 

I'm pretty sure its just restore disks. I got a package of 4 disks from geeksquad, one of them being applications and drivers.

And right clicking any of the partitions, I can't delete them. It says I need to unmount any number higher than itself. How?

 

I've never seen Gparted mount volumes before when running live... You're running it via a live CD, correct? Try unmounting it as described here or restarting.

You'll need to resize it yourself, create a second partition, or rerun your restoration discs and allow that to resize the partitions. Rerunning the restoration discs is likely the easiest since it would also fix any startup errors still existing.

 

I deleted partitions 4 and up. I restarted the computer and grub is still there. I didn't try to reinstall windows yet, do you think doing that again would work?

 

You say your CD drive is failing? Well, it may have not installed Windows properly if that is in fact the case, because if it did, windows would have overwritten the MBR with GRUB with BCD. I would try installing Windows again, however, this time, from a USB pen drive.

 

I would say it actually didn't fail the last time I tried installing windows. By failing I mean the cd wouldn't start spinning or just stop spinning in the middle of things. This did not happen at all the last time.

I read a little of the guide. Can I just copy&paste the files from the cd's to the drive?

 

You'd better backup your files and do complete reinstall both windows and linux.

 

I did back up already. Thank goodness I did 'cause this is driving me nuts >.<
I'll post back later after I try reinstalling windows again.

edit: I think I found what is wrong. When I put in a cd to reinstall it doesn't see any other partition other than sda3 when I chose to erase the disk. So I'm thinking it assumes that there nothing else on the hdd and just erases that partition. There are no options to erase every partition. There has to be another way to do this >.<

 

I called BestBuy about the issue. All they could tell me was to try and reinstall again (which didn't work btw)

Is it possible that I could use the ubuntu installer to wipe the hdd and use the Windows restore cd's to put windows back?

 

Run "dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sda bs=1k count=1" under ubuntu will wipe your hd.

 

Ok. But can I use the restore cd's if windows isn't already on the hdd?

 

Every restore disc I've seen has been bootable, which allows it to start even if nothing exists on the hard drive.

Note that the DD command above will erase everything on the drive including the PQSERVICE partition. However, it will infallibly fix the current issue with GRUB still existing. Before doing it, I'd try going back into Gparted and doing the following:

-Delete SDA2 and SDA3
-Ensure every partition except SDA1 is removed
-Create a new NTFS primary partition spanning the entire hard drive from the end of SDA1 to the end of the disk.

Then try your restore process again.

 

Sounds like a plan . But can I change the partition name? It defaults to "new partition #1" and it should be something like "/dev/sda2" right?

 

The partition will be /dev/sda2 regardless of what you do. Don't worry about that.

It shouldn't matter if the partition label is set to "Gateway" or anything else unless the restoration software is very quirky. However, it couldn't hurt. To set a partition label, refer to the instruction under the bolded text, "Setting a Partition Label" in the Gparted manual. Again, disregard the '/dev/sda2' bit. It will assign that partition reference regardless of the partition label. If you choose to set the label, it would just be for the purpose of making it 'Gateway' in case the restoration software is stubborn.

 

I deleted sda2 and sda3. Guess what. Grub is still there! I seriously am clueless as to why it hasn't been deleted. I might have to get a new hdd There has to be something I'm missing.

 

these links may be of help perhaps??
http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/linux-how-to-uninstall-grub/
http://www.compatdb.org/support/topics/143448_how_to_remove_grub_loader.html

 

from first link

So if I use number "2" Grub should be deleted?

 

...yes it should.
also after step two..do number 3 as well

 

ok. so after that it should return to the normal windows MBR?

 

well no..u do need the windows disk (the links before mentions how to just remove grub)
its strange that some of those other steps mentioned by others before didn't work...like Windows Disk management to completely format your linux partition..??
from what i read you want linux gone and windows installed again..correct?
meh...here:
http://teamoftechnologist.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-remove-grub-bootloader-and-set.html

 

No. You need windows repair disk or normal windows installation disk.

 

You wont need a new hard drive. Grub is always on a partition, and wont exist without the partition. If it's still there, then it must have been installed to the PQSERVICE partition for some very odd reason.

Performing the DD command yejun mentioned will fix it, but with the loss of the PQSERVICE partition. Alternately you could create a new partition table in Gparted, which will destroy the old one. (Refer to "Creating a New Partition Table" in the previously linked Gparted manual.)

However, I'd first try to access the Windows Startup Repair. The best way to access it is using a Windows installation disc, but unfortunately OEM restore discs don't always include it. If you can borrow a retail disc from a friend you could use it to access the utility. Another option is pressing the F8 key during boot. However, you may not be able to access that since GRUB is taking the lead over Windows bootloader. Try it, pressing F8 as your computer starts. If it responds select, 'Repair your computer'.

If you resort to removing the PQSERVICE partition, first ensure your recovery discs are undamaged and able to restore independent of the recovery partition. (In my limited experience they can function without the partition. However if the partition is present they use it, which is faster and less likely to become damaged.)

 

F8 does nothing. how can I make sure that they can run independent of the partition?

 

You mentioned that the Geek Squad gave you the disks-

Look at the recovery discs. Do they say who manufactured them or have any indication that they were professionally made by HP? If so, refer to your user manual (accessible from the Gateway support site). If they appear to have been burned (made by an individual, not on an assembly line) contact the people who gave you the discs and ask them.

Also be sure there are no significant scratches.

It's most likely the discs can independently perform the restore without issue, my advice here is merely for thoroughness, to be certain no new problems are created. Just in case.

 

Yea. They were burned and were labeled with a sharpie >.> *mumbles to self of how cheap they are when they could hand out manufacturer disks*

I'll call them about it. However I can't guarantee that their answer will be accurate.

 

Boot loaders such as GRUB are multi-stage programs with the various stages stored in separate areas of the hard disk. The various stages on an undamaged system will be loaded in sequence, the first stage loads the next stage and so on (sometimes referred to as boot-strapping), and when the final stage has loaded that provides the full GRUB boot menu program. To be able to successfully boot an Operating Systems you need all the stages.

If you delete the linux partition containing /boot/grub (often stored in the root partition) that will only partially delete the GRUB boot loader. The first stage of the boot loader is still stored in the MBR and that will still load when the PC is booted but a later stage will not be found because you've deleted it.

In practical terms the above probably won't help (sorry for that), but I wanted to answer at least partially why things are more complex than you have picked up from the other posts.

Sadly, your primary problem isn't linux or GRUB (although your attempts to remove them has led you to where you are today), it's almost certainly related to not properly being able to recover or re-install Windows.

 

The problem you're having is that after having removed Linux from your computer's HDD, the multi-OS boot loader that Ubuntu installed for you, GRUB, left it's boot code on the master boot record ( MBR) of the HDD. This can't be corrected by just repartitioning, or reformatting the HDD, but it is very easy to reinstall the Windows boot code to the MBR. For Windows 7, this can be done by performing the following steps;

1) Boot from the Windows 7 DVD
2) When you get to the second screen, after you choose your language, Select Repair your computer
3) Select the Command Prompt
4) Type in "bootrec /fixmbr" and then press enter
5) Type in "bootrec /FixBoot" and then press enter
6) Type in "exit" and then press enter
7) Restart your computer

(BTW, you enter the bootrec and exit commands WITHOUT the quote " characters)

If you don't have the Windows 7 install DVD to repair the MBR, there is a way to update an MBR in order to remove the GRUB code, and reinstall the Windows code, using a Linux LiveCD. It just takes a bit of command line work. It's covered for an Ubuntu (or Mint) LiveCD boot, at this post, of this thread, over at the Ubuntu Users forum. Here's another explanation of the same process, but with a bit more detail added.

Yet another method to fixing MBR and boot issues, is to use the Super Grub Disk to fix them. It's easy to use, and in this case to restore a Windows MBR with Super Grub Disk you would need to simply;

1. Boot your SGD (floppy disk, USB disk or CD)
2. Select English Super Grub Disk
3. Select Windows
4. Select Fix Boot of Windows

HOWEVER, in your situation it's probably better to restore to the factory image, given what you originally stated. If you simply reinstalled the Windows MBR, once you had your computer booting back into Windows, you would still have to go through the work of deleting the Linux partitions and then repartitioning them for use by Windows. Since you stated;

you may want to try what the Geek Squad folks said. Boot your laptop with your recovery CD and select the option to restore to factory defaults. This should completely overwrite your HDD with the factory image, and restore Windows and your MBR to their original state.

The only issue may be that in your original statement, (of having to reinstall Windows several times), it indicates that you were installing from your recovery CDs, because a normal Windows installation includes installing the Windows MBR. Do you have an option with booting from the Recovery CD to do "restore factory image", or something similar? If you do, and you haven't tried it yet, try it.

Good Luck..

 

I'm going to give Super Grub Disk a try. It sounds rather promising so do I choose "download cdrom" on the right of the page to boot with a cd? Just making sure before I do anything stupid

The restore cd's they gave me only restore the partition that Windows was on and not the entire hdd. I was really disappointed to find that out. Especially the hard way


edit:

Hmm. I don't get those options when I booted into it. I get...

Boot Ubuntu Gnu/Linux
Detect any OS
Detect any Grub2 configuration file (grub.cfg)
Detect any Grub2 installation (even if mbr is overwritten)
Enable grub's LVM support
Enable grub's Raid support
Switch to serial terminal (desables keyboard input and screen output)

I tried "detect any os" and another list shows up with:
other os
windows vista (assuming its the recovery partition)
other os

I went with the first choice and windows 7 popped up! Now I just need to get the mbr fixed so I don't have to boot from the cd every time.

 

The restore disc should have fixed the MBR during the reinstall/reimage... It's very odd for it not to.

Before getting into supergrub, check that the restoration process marked the Windows partition with the 'boot' flag. You can check it in Gparted by selecting, "manage flags".

 

Or try UBCD4WIN. It has mbr fix.

 

Here's the instructions I was referring to from the Super Grub Disk wiki documentation.

Good Luck..

 

I don't see the same things as described in the wiki. I get no language options and it goes straight to boot options. :/

off topic:

Guess what! My mom comes home and says "Hi, guess what?" and whips out a Short Circuit 2 dvd. I was very excited . The weird thing was that I had never mentioned the movie to her.....Oh the irony.

 

Hi there,
I see you just want to get rid off the linux, your data are backed up and you're trying to get things tidy on the hdd.
what i would do:
I'd decide to do clean install on clean disk, i'd erase whole disk including restoring partitions - i just don't use restoring partitions with windows, since i always do 'custom' installation of windows on my notebook and those partitions just mess my part. table anyway.
Btw. the situation you talk about (or similar) happend to me on my sata wester hdd too, when after trying several win installations (win xp, vista, w 7) finally at some stage the win installer reported incorrect hdd size and wasn't able to fix it. My last help was the fix tool from hdd manufacturer ... so i'd use same tool in your case too:

1. download all your drivers for you laptop HW, that your windows 7 doesn't recognize 'out of box' and save it on flash, or wherever
2. have windows 7 install dvd ready

3. download hitachi hdd fixing tool - the "Drive Fitness Test":
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm
4. burn cd image
5. boot it and use the 'erase disk' it's low level format and it is going to erase all crap bogging your hdd (incl. win )

6. now do your custom windows 7 installation - install exactly the driver versions, the SW and applications you need
7. after everything is installed and shaped up create 'restore point'
8. create your own 'system recovery discs'
start - all programs - maintenance - back up and restore - create system recovery disc
9. create your hdd image backup
start - all programs - maintenance - back up and restore - create an image backup

Now I'd be satisfied, since imho all this steps means that i have my own tuned up system, with no unnecessary SW from laptop seller, custom hdd layout with no 'preprepared' install partitions messing my hdd, and all system backups ready with no need for restoration partitions.

 

Thanks. I'll try that too . I just need to get myself an installation disk now.

 

No problem
Just be sure you hdd is Hitachi (i suppose it is according to your spec. in your signature).
If you install 'stock' windows 7 it shouldn't be problem, since w7 has nice driver management and also your lappy is supported from the manufacturer.
Just check if all your HW is recognized after install - and if not, apply needed drivers from your manufacturer (should be all on web).
Also, any w7 installation media will do if it is relevant to your installation code, that should be sticked on your lappy (usually bottom of ntb.), so e.g. if you have code for win 7 professional, any w 7 prof. inst. media is ok. If you can't get it from lappy provider, i'd just borrow it from friend or just torrented it and use my own install code.
Here is how i installed w 7 on my lenovo R61 laptop - was no problem, even if the w7 is not supported on my lappy.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=462614&highlight=r61+windows+7+64

gl&hf and post the results

p.s. don't give up on linux yet ... as one of my friends says (long time AIX administrator) .."Linux is friendly OS, but compared to windows, it is picky about HIS friends" )).

 

Ok. I'll ask someone if I can borrow an installation disk. If not I'll check with the manufacturer.

I'm far far faaaar from giving up on linux, I'm still just getting started with it :wink:. I have my petpeeves with it, sure, but I lovez it too much .

Linux is like a plate of cooked linguini noodles with awesomesauce spread all over it.

 

lmao! that's awesome possum