Removing GRUB

kreator · 08-07-2005, 01:27 PM

Is it going to screw up my computer if I reformat my linux drive (Win XP is my main boot drive) and remove it? I need to use it to back up my roommate's files on his PC before we reformat it since it is pretty screwed up right now.

mani_iips · 08-07-2005, 01:39 PM

hello frnd... as long as foprmatting the LINUX drive is concerned, there are no issues in that bcoz once the GRUB is removed the MBR automatically loads DOS (WIN XP), and to be on the safer side i would suggest you to format that drive from ur WIN XP only (..Manage Drive.. Select the desired partiotion and Format it).
Cheerios.

harken · 08-07-2005, 01:49 PM

No, if you format the Linux partition(s) nothing wrong will happen to the Windows installation. When you're finished formatting (or before that, doesn't matter), use either a Win98 boot floppy and once you get a command prompt type 'fdisk /mbr', or use a WinXP installation CD, boot off it in recovery mode, then run 'fixmbr'.
This way you will be able to boot straight into Windows next time.

kreator · 08-07-2005, 02:06 PM

Stupid question number 2 is I can't figure out how to reformat that drive from Windows XP

harken · 08-08-2005, 04:09 AM

You can use a tool such as PartitionMagic to do the formatting and, if needed the resizing.