uninstalling grub
 

Hi there, i've decided to remove SUSE 10 to recover some much needed hardrive space. I was thinking of just removing the bootloader (GRUB) and then deleting the partitions. Unfortunately, SUSE 10.0 doesnt let me uninstall the GRUB bootloader. I've been into YAST and then bootloader and then selected "no bootloader" and then saved and rebooted only to be greeted by the familiar blue SUSE screen. I've tried booting from the install disc and looked for options on restoring the original windows booting method (which i know exists on the Mandriva disc) but theres no such option. Can anyone help?


Thanking you in adnance


M

why do you want uninstall it? you'll be left with an empty boot sector... just install whatever else over the top of it.

I dont know how, i've loked at other thread which tell me to use fdisk /mbr, but i have windows XP and it doesnt seem to have that executable anywhere on my system or on the setup disc. I've even tried to use my old mandriva 2005SE disc in rescue mode which has an option of restoring the windows loader but it says theres no bootloader to write over (probably cos mandriva installs LILO and not grub). I've looked online for fdisk but there only seem to be emulations like fdisk for freeDOS etc.... dunno if its safe to use on my system.

Am i just gonna have to reinstall windows again and hope it wipes the MBR to normal? i dont wanna lose my data :(

Just use the Windows xp cd to rewrite the Master Boot Record.
1. Insert the cd, boot from and start the recovery console.
2. use fixmbr to rewrite the mbr.
3. Windows should automatically boot next time (without grub).
4. diskmanagment lets you allow to delete the linux partitions.

After a little bit of research i've done it, here's how i did it for anyone who might wanna do the same:

boot using windows XP setup CD

loading into the DOS type blue screen

then hit "R" for recovery mode

then select the windows install you wanna work on and type your administrator password if you have one

then simply type "fixmbr"

type "Y" for yes to allow the MBR to be fixed.

once done type "exit" to reboot and hey presto windows should load.....