Win7 - Linux Multiboot Disaster


  1. Posts : 1
    Win 7 64
       #1

    Win7 - Linux Multiboot Disaster


    Windows Experts,

    I hope you can help me because through sheer stupidity on my part I can't get into my Windows installation.

    Windows is on HD #2 on my system. I installed Linux (with which I am totally unfamiliar) on HD #1 in a partition that was formatted for NTFS but was empty.

    Prior to installing Linux I used a boot menu to select between partition C: on HD# 1 (where Windows once resided) and partition F: on HD #2 the active installation of Windows.

    I can boot into the Linux partition by changing the order of the drives in the BIOS.

    From what I've read since installing Linux, I probably overwrote the MBR in HD #1.

    How do I get myself out of this ridiculous predicament I find myself in. If I delete the Linux partition on HD #1, how do I make the Windows partition on HD #2 bootable?
      My Computer

  2.    #2

    With separate HD's always unplug the other one when installing another OS, then after install boot preferred by setting it first to boot in BIOS setup, boot the other OS using one-Time BIOS Boot Menu key to trigger it's HDD. These keeps GRUB boot loader from potentially corrupting Win7.

    For now unplug the Linux HD, set Win7 HD first to boot in BIOS setup, Mark Win7 Partition Active from the booted Win7 installer or System Repair Disk, then run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times to repair or rewrite the System boot files to Win7 partition or it's 100mb System Reserved partition (preferred if you have it).

    After this, plug back in the Linux HD to see if you can boot it independently via the BIOS Boot menu key at boot. If so you may want to keep it. If not I would move any data you need off the HD to wipe it with Diskpart Clean Command from Win7 Elevated Command Prompt.

    If Linux HD blocks Win7 boot in any way, boot the Win7 installer/Repair CD to copy out any files you need from it's HD, then wipe it with Diskpart Clean command from the System Recovery Options Command line.
    Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console

    If Win7 will not repair after trying all other fixes in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot, copy out your files to run Factory Recovery if it's still bootable or you have disks, or get the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which steps are the same for retail. Everything you need is in the tutorial including the Win7 installer for your licensed version.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 14:14.
Find Us