Weird booting error

I've had Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit for quite some time and works fine for me. However, one day it just stopped booting, and the screen only showed the word "GRUB" in the top left corner. However, if I insert my installation disk, turn on the computer and don't press any key, it boots normally.

I've already tried all the tools from the installation CD GUI and some obvious prompt commands, like "bootrec /fixmbr", "bootrec /fixboot" and "bootsect /nt60 SYS /mbr". And still nothing. Re-installing W7 fixes it, but it happened again and would rather not go through all the installation process all over again.

In case you wonder, this is my only installed OS. I do use an Ubuntu Live CD from time to time, though.

I'd be very thankful if anyone offered any advice. And if you need more info, ask for it and I'll post it.

All Linux code must be deleted.As you have had linux on the HD you need do a Clean all & full format.

Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command
Partition or Volume - Delete
Partition or Volume - Create New
Partition - Mark as Active

Try a full clean & full format in command prompt.
1) Boot DVD & Press Shift+F10 (for command prompt)
2) Boot DVD, & Command Prompt at Startup
(for command prompt)

Type in command line
DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (win HD)
CLEAN ALL
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
SELECT PARTITION 1
ACTIVE
FORMAT fs=NTFS
ASSIGN
EXIT
EXIT



SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
How to Remove Linux and Install Windows XP

If I get it right, this solution implies that, apart from any remaining Linux code, my whole HDD and OS will be deleted, won't they? I'm missing the backup files and free time I'd need for making a full reinstall of my system, so I must know beforehand and still wouldn't be my preferred solution.

Athanasius said:

If I get it right, this solution implies that, apart from any remaining Linux code, my whole HDD and OS will be deleted, won't they? I'm missing the backup files and free time I'd need for making a full reinstall of my system, so I must know beforehand and still wouldn't be my preferred solution.

Yes, you will need to backup your data.

Lemur said:

MBR - Restore Windows 7 Master Boot Record

Tried whlie scanning the forum before posting, didn't work.

theog said:

Yes, you will need to backup your data.

Feared so. Isn't there any other solution, no matter how tricky, long or hard, which doesn't involve erasing my entire hard disk?

I'm going to try NeoGrub right now, if it doesn't make the trick I'll go for the 3 startup repairs.