How to Remove Ubuntu Netbook Remix Without Windows CD and Restore Windows MBR
Last Updated on Monday, 8 February 2010 05:52 Written by DarkKnightH20 Tuesday, 9 February 2010 10:00
I ran across the issue the other day with my netbook. I wanted to remove Ubuntu Netbook Remix, but deleting the Linux partition would cause GRUB, the bootloader, to cause errors. GRUB is usually removed by using a Windows Operating System Install CD and running commands through a special prompt. However, since netbooks don’t have CD drives, this was an issue. Sure, I could have done something through a USB flash drive or even through a USB external DVD/CD drive, but no, I found an even easier way to do it. You can restore your MBR without any devices needed and you don’t even have to restart your computer. I added this information to the Review: Ubuntu Netbook Remix, as well as informaton on how to delete the Linux partition on a dual boot Windows-Linux environment. Hope it helps!
hmm how about if I wanna get rid of windows, lets say, update to win7? This messes up GRUB and it will skip OS selection at boot up.
I ran into this, but got it fixed by reinstalling GRUB & editing it. Details are forgotten, but I will see if I can’t post something on it.
I would just boot up to Ubuntu using a USB stick and, as you mentioned, reinstall GRUB. Live CDs/DVDs/USBs are lifesavers.
Re-install GRUB
Now you have windows 7 but it has completely eaten your boot loader so you need to re-install grub.
Boot from the ubuntu live cd and go to terminal.
Type in terminal:
“sudo grub”
“grub> find /boot/grub/stage1”
That should return your Ubuntu partition in the form of (hdX,Y), use that:
grub> root (hdX,Y)
grub> setup (hd0)
grub> quit
(you don’t need to type the grub> bit)
That has re-installed grub but you can no longer see windows7
5. Edit grub.
Go to terminal from normal ubuntu and type :
“sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst”
A large text file will open and at the bottom leave a line and add this:
title windows 7 beta (Loader)
root (hd0,1)
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader +1
(Do not type this line but if that does not work on re-boot try “hdo,0 or hd0,2” and so on until it works.)
Now that is done you can re-boot into windows 7 and ubuntu happily.
sudo hv0duhv8AE08&AEfh0fd type this command it removes it
hey man i have a? problem. I installed ubuntu netbook on my netbook on the same partition with the windows. now i want to uninstall it,but i cant find it on my windows partition and i cant figure out how can i uninstall ubuntu without having to reinstall windows again! please, i need some help!
and another thing that makes me wait for something is that no software can detect ubuntu. i tried easybcd inside windows and it cant detect it because ubuntu took 40 gigs out of my c drive and hide it!! please i need help, i cant modify the bootloader because then i would remain with 40 gigs less than before.
Hi Johny14,
Depending on how you installed Ubuntu, it may be removable from Add/Remove programs on Windows. With that said, it sounds like you did a full blown install that partitioned your hard drive. Have you tried using partition software to detect the Ubuntu partition?
can you tell me a good partition software that will detect the Ubuntu partition?
Hi Johnny,
Here are some partition software(s) I recommend–
— GParted – via Linux Live CD
— EASEUS Partition Master – Home Edition (FREE)
http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm
— Partition Magic – NOT free (but trials are available)
You can also try checking to see if Windows even recognizes any partitions through…
Start -> Run -> compmgmt.msc
Click on “Disk Management”
All partitions should be shown there, though Windows DOES have a hard time detecting Linux partitions so your best bet may be the other softwares mentioned.