In this guide, we will walk you through the process of deleting GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) and booting Windows directly from GRUB rescue. This can be particularly useful if you’ve previously installed a Linux distribution alongside Windows but now want to remove it and boot only into Windows.
To delete GRUB and boot Windows only from GRUB rescue, you can use either a Windows installation or upgrade disc or an Ubuntu live CD or USB. With a Windows disc, you can use the command prompt to fix the MBR and remove GRUB. Alternatively, with an Ubuntu live CD or USB, you can use the Boot-Repair tool to repair the bootloader.
What is GRUB?
GRUB is a bootloader package developed to support multiple operating systems and allow the user to select among them during boot-up. It is often used when you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer, such as Linux and Windows.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:
- A Windows installation or upgrade disc. If you don’t have one, you can use an Ubuntu live CD or USB.
- Basic knowledge of BIOS settings and how to change the boot order.
Method 1: Using a Windows Installation or Upgrade Disc
Step 1: Boot from the CD
Insert the Windows installation or upgrade disc into the disc drive and restart your computer. Make sure your computer is set to boot from the CD in the BIOS settings. When prompted, press a key to boot from the CD.
Step 2: Select Your Preferences
Once the Windows Setup window appears, select your language, time, currency, keyboard, or input method, and click Next.
Step 3: Repair Your Computer
Click on “Repair your computer.” This will take you to the System Recovery Options.
Step 4: Select the Operating System
Choose the operating system you want to repair (Windows 7 in this case) and click Next.
Step 5: Open Command Prompt
In the System Recovery Options dialog box, select Command Prompt.
Step 6: Enter Bootrec Command
In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter: Bootrec.exe /FixMbr
The /FixMbr option writes a Windows 7 or Windows Vista-compatible MBR to the system partition. This effectively removes GRUB and restores the Windows bootloader.
Step 7: Reboot Your Computer
After seeing a message saying “The operation completed successfully,” reboot your computer and set the BIOS to boot from the hard drive again.
Method 2: Using an Ubuntu Live CD or USB
If you don’t have a Windows CD, you can use an Ubuntu live CD or USB to fix the GRUB issue.
Step 1: Boot from the Ubuntu Live CD or USB
Insert the Ubuntu live CD or USB into the appropriate drive and restart your computer. Make sure your computer is set to boot from the CD or USB in the BIOS settings.
Step 2: Open a Terminal
Once the Ubuntu desktop loads, open a terminal or command prompt.
Step 3: Install Boot-Repair
Run the following command to install Boot-Repair: sudo apt-get install boot-repair
The sudo command allows you to run programs with the security privileges of the superuser. The apt-get install command installs the specified software package, in this case, Boot-Repair.
Step 4: Launch Boot-Repair
Launch Boot-Repair by running the command: boot-repair
Boot-Repair is a simple tool that can repair GRUB and the Windows bootloader.
Step 5: Follow the On-screen Instructions
Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the bootloader. Once the repair process is complete, reboot your computer.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to delete GRUB and boot directly into Windows. However, if you encounter any issues or if the above methods don’t work, it’s recommended to seek further assistance or consult a professional. Remember, manipulating system files and commands can have serious effects on your system, so proceed with caution.
Yes, you can use an Ubuntu live CD or USB to delete GRUB. Refer to Method 2 in the guide for detailed instructions.
No, deleting GRUB will not remove your data. It only affects the bootloader, not the actual data on your computer.
Yes, these methods can be used to delete GRUB and boot into a different operating system, not just Windows. However, the specific steps may vary depending on the operating system you want to boot into.
If you don’t have access to a Windows installation or Ubuntu live CD/USB, it’s recommended to seek further assistance or consult a professional. They may be able to provide alternative solutions based on your specific situation.
Deleting GRUB will not affect the overall functionality of your computer. However, it will remove the option to choose between different operating systems during boot-up. Make sure you are certain about removing GRUB before proceeding.
If you want to reinstall GRUB in the future, you can follow online guides or seek assistance from the respective operating system’s support community. The process will involve reinstalling GRUB and configuring the bootloader to recognize the desired operating systems.
