How to remove GRUB from the Master Boot Record and restore the Windows bootloader

Often we find ourselves having to rebuild a development server.  Sometimes, converting a server from the Windows operating system to the Linux operating system can be a bit tricky, especially if the GRUB bootloader is installed. 

Here’s how to get rid of it.

Boot your server/computer with your bootable Windows CD.  Get through all the messages until you get to the repair console prompt. Choose “R”, to repair an existing installation.

The repair process will search and display the Windows installation location :

1) C:\WINDOWS
choose 1, and the process will ask for the Admin password. If you have one enter it — if not press “Enter”.

C:\WINDOWS>

After it reaches this point, type the following commands, line-by-line, typing “Enter” at the end of each command.

C:\WINDOWS> CD ..
C:\> FIXBOOT C:
C:\> FIXMBR
C:\> BOOTCFG /rebuild

After BOOTCFG, it will ask if you want to add the Installation it found — to be on the safe side, type “Y”.

Thats it!  You have now removed GRUB from the Master Boot Record.

This method should work with or without a Windows Installation.

Filed under: 129 Tips, Misc. Tech by admin