Solved Attempted to install ubuntu on windows 7 but now cannot reboot

hello all
I am somewhat new to the dual boot arena. I attempted but failed miserably to install ubuntu over windows 7. Now i can only run ubuntu from the cd and apparently when i remove the ubuntu install cd i get this error during start up

error: no such device : a2ecb941 blah blah blah
grub rescue >ls
(hd0) (hd0, msdos3) (hd0, msdos2) (hd0,msdos1) (cd)

i did not create a recovery cd before i did this so im even more screwed. I do have an runnin windows 7 on another computer. Should i just make a recovery cd from this and then try to run in on my desktop with both ubuntu and windows 7 and try to run the boot/fixmbr fromt he command prompt?
I also tried to install windows vista but when i tried to perform a system repoair it gave me the error noharddisk and no operating system came up for me to load the respective drive
please somebody assist me with this. At this point i just want ubuntu off my operating system and fix my bootmanager to boot from windows 7 if it still exists

The reason it isn't booting is because Ubuntu uses a GRUB boot loader which is different then what windows 7 uses. I had the same problem and what i ended up doing to fix it is, I put in my windows 7 disk and booted from that, then i went to Repair windows and then went to the CMD. from there u can use the fixmbr command in order to re-wright it onto your hard drive. i just googled "fix mbr in cmd" it was like the 3rd link. Hope that helps.

thanks

hello...thank you for your reply..problem is i do not have a windows recovery cd as i did not create it before i put ubuntu on there....can i just use a recovery cd from another windows 7 computer

You said you installed Ubuntu over Win7. Why would you expect Win7 to boot in that case?

If you did in fact overwrite Win7 then you'll have to try running Factory Recovery from it's partition if you have a Recovery partition on board, or you'll have to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 using the Product Key on COA sticker if it came with Win7 installed. Retail Win7 steps are the same.

I would also wipe the HD first with Clean command as GRUB can corrupt Win7 beyond repair and foul the boot sector for reinstall: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

I am not positive if a recovery CD will work. sorry for not being clear, I was talking about the windows 7 Install CD that you use to install a new copy of windows. A recovery CD from any computer may work because all u need is a command prompt, but i wouldn't know for sure. Sorry

Recovery disks which are made from a Recovery partition on preinstalled Win7 must be for the same make and model. Did you make your Recovery disks earlier?

Is this preinstalled Windows? Do you have a Recovery partition still intact?

If not where did you get Win7?

gregrocker
i am sorry . I typed in the wrong description. I attempted to install ubuntu alongside windows(dual boot). I can either make a recovery cd from a newly installed windows 7 on my other computer or i could use a new copy of windows 7 that is provided by our university. Once i get to the command prompt shoulb i type in the boot.fix/mbr command to enable windows

Try to set up the Dual Boot this way: Dual boot Ubuntu-Win7

To restart Win7 boot into the Win7 System Repair Disk or System Recovery Options on the Win7 Installation DVD found here: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

First from Command Line try

bootrec.exe /fixmbr
bootrec.exe /fixboot
bootsect.exe /rebuildbcd

then Reboot to see if Win7 starts.

If not mark Win7 partition Active: Partition - Mark as Active (Method Two)

Then run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

That should do it.

Use either the install dvd , or the win7 repair cd.

If you boot the win7 install dvd - you get a window saying "Install Now".

When you see that window, press shift+f10 for command prompt.

OK forgive me once again but onc ei am in command prompt what commands should i type in...remember i dont care about ubuntu i just want windows back

I gave the commands just above.

ok got it ...leme try

Cross post..
What Greg posted will probably be ok too

hey guys thanks so much for helping me...i inserted the windows 7 install cd and made it to the cmmd prompt....i executed all the commands you specified and yup....i was back up and running in no time..if i may ask...what exactly do those three commands do and what did they clean up...i always want to learn from my mistakes...thnks again

The commands rebuild your MBR and boot.

They are also automated in Startup Repair which will also repair or rewrite the System Boot files to the Active partition.