uninstall linux

pinner2424 · 10-01-2003, 03:54 PM

I'm trying to uninstall "wipe linux from my hard-drive" any help would be grearly appreciated.

Micro420 · 10-01-2003, 04:01 PM

Can't you just type at the DOS prompt?:

format <drive letter>: /y

example: format d: /q /y

/q = quick format
/y = confirm format

Just type that wherever the partition that linux is installed on.

aaa · 10-01-2003, 04:02 PM

What's on your hard drive? (ie, what partitions, any other os's) The usual procedure is deleting all Linux partitions, then deleting your bootloader. You can delete your partitions using fdisk, and delete the bootloader using the DOS command 'fdisk /mbr'. It has to be a bootdisk from one of the older Windows (not 2k/xp). With these newer Windows, you use the 'fixmbr' command from the Recovery Console. I think either will work.

aaa · 10-01-2003, 04:06 PM

Quote:

format C: /y

How would that work? DOS won't see the Linux partitons (unless '/y' does something special). I think you might be able to make Win partitons over them, then format them. In 2k/XP, you can do this stuff from Windows: Computer Management->Disk Management .

aaa · 10-01-2003, 04:08 PM

DOS just considors Linux partitions as 'undefined'.

pinner2424 · 10-01-2003, 04:19 PM

sorry but i'm a complete newbie to this operating system, I need directions right from the start ei. where to go and what to do.
thanx for your help in advance

mossy · 10-01-2003, 04:20 PM

Why would you want to uninstall Linux anyway! [???]
It's so much more fun and configuring it successfully is very gratifying.

Mega Man X · 10-01-2003, 04:51 PM

Hi pinner2424!!!

I will try to help you even if you will regret doing this later but you are always welcome back here

.

1) The first thing you have to do is try to get is a Windows 98 boot disk. There are other ways, but this is the easiest IMHO. Boot using this disk and at the DOS prompt, type:

fdisk /MBR

This will clean your master boot record, making you boot normally as you did before trying the great OS Linux is

2) Now it's time to get rid of Linux Partitions. If you have a dual boot system, the best way is to boot into Windows. Try getting a program that can resize partitions for windows. PQmagic 8.0 is really famous and, despite being a windows program, I have to say it's good

3) Assuming you have PQmagic 8, delete the Linux partitions and if resize your Windows partitions and you are done.

Indeed, you could also boot with your Linux CD and use the tools included into the CD to instead of creating/resizing Linux partitions, delete them. As you did not describe which distro you are using, I'm afraid I cannot help you with the tools, but it should be pretty obvious to do anyway, specially if it was Mandrake or Redhat. Then, use your Win98 boot disk, boot with the disk and :

fdisk /MBR

as you already knew. Good luck and see you back in the future

pinner2424 · 10-01-2003, 05:08 PM

thanks for your help megaman x it's much appreciated

Mega Man X · 10-02-2003, 01:54 AM

No problems pinner2424, you are welcome. Remember though, you can download and burn a Live-CD as Knoppix or Slackware to try out Linux from time to time without installing anything. It runs directly from the CD and it's great for learning without the fear of creating partitions for Linux or even worse, destroying your windows partitions. So when you are bored, put the Live-CD boot at Linux and play a little just for fun and eventually you will feel more "home" with Linux, just an idea.

.

Mega Man X · 10-02-2003, 03:09 AM

Oh, and don't you forget to defrag your win partitions before resizing/moving them. You most likely will end up with an un-bootable system if you don't do it

mysterio · 10-02-2003, 06:24 PM

And the live-cd's also make a good recovery disk, if for some reason your system doesn't boot, windows or linux.