Removing Linux from a Dual Boot w/ XP

[metsfan421]

I setup Red Hat 9 on my pc with XP to dual boot. I would now like to remove Red Hat 9 because I don't think it's there yet, as far as competition to XP. How do I remove it without hosing my whole computer. Installing it with XP seemed to be easy, but I have a feeling that removing it from the computer won't be so easy. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[linney]

Any clues here?

315224 - How to Remove the Linux LILO Boot Manager

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315224&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

314458 - How to Remove Linux and Install Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314458&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[metsfan421]

Should I be worried about screwing up the system when doing this? I have a bunch of data on the computer. Is it a fairly simple process?

 

[linney]

Never used linux (except for Knoppix) so someone else can advise you better.

If your data is that valuable I would imagine it is all well and truly backed up.

 

[franklin97355]

Delete the partitions linux created and if you used LILO/GRUB for the bootloader do an fdisk /mbr. If you use the windows xp loader just remove the linux reference from boot.ini (I think that's where xp keeps it)

 

[metsfan421]

I am using the linux bootloader. If I do an fdisk /mbr what will that do? It's my home PC and I don't want to run into having to re-install every app. I will backup all doc's, pic's ect. before I proceed though. Hopefully all goes well.

 

[wolluf]

fdisk /mbr (or fixmbr from recovery console) will just write a standard windows mbr (master boot record) - won't affect partition table. If Linux boot loader is stored in mbr (may also be in a partition), this procedure will remove it, allowing 'normal' windows booting (assuming XP partition is active).