Need help starting Windows 7 on boot up.

[kittyhawk63]

Is this what you wanted to see? TechSmith | Screencast.com, online video sharing, 2010-04-28_1548
This shows my partitions. If this is not what you wanted, please clarify.
I think Windows 7 is on the largest partition. I am pretty ignorant when it comes to this part. I must settle for help now. I see I need to do some research to learn about partitions.

If I do a full recovery to put the computer back the way I bought it, will the recovery remove any partitions that I have made with Ubuntu's installation?

Here is another shot of the partitions.
http://screencast.com/t/NDA0MjMzYzA

 

[gregrocker]

It looks like all of those partitions are empty except for your Factory Image (Recovery), and the Win7 and System partitions which look correct.

If you can run Factory Recovery it will restore it back to exactly as it was when it left the factory. The only question is if it will wipe the HD clean enough to get rid of any GRUB corruption that is apparently messing up your Win7 from booting correctly (right?).

What I would do at this point is boot free Partition Wizard CD, right click on the empty former Linux partitions to select Wipe Partition to deep clean them to full DOD (3X zeroing) standards to get rid of GRUB. If you know which partition GRUB was on you can give it the deepest clean. Otherwise do each of the empty partitions being sure you select the right ones which is easy to do with PW since it has a graphical interface.

Next boot the Win7 Repair CD and attempt to repair Startup to overcome GRUB corruption. Accept any repair offered, but if this doesn't solve the problem keep booting back in to run Startup Repair from the Recov Tools list until it fully repairs the MBR and starts up correctly. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

You last resort is then to attempt to run full Factory Recovery press key given on first boot screen or in your manual, which can be found on the computer maker's website. If you can boot into Win7 you can also attempt to make the disk set from Recov partition. As Recov may not work due to the GRUB corruption, you may need to order Factory Recovery disks from tech support, or find a clean copy of Win7 for your licensed version to clean reinstall after zeroing the entire HD using Partition Wizard CD or DISKPART command from install DVD.

 

[kittyhawk63]

It looks like all of those partitions are empty except for your Factory Image (Recovery), and the Win7 and System partitions which look correct.
Do you think those top four partitions can be deleted and not mess up Windows 7?
If you can run Factory Recovery it will restore it back to exactly as it was when it left the factory. The only question is if it will wipe the HD clean enough to get rid of any GRUB corruption that is apparently messing up your Win7 from booting correctly (right?).
That's right. I keep getting Grub, but it hangs up before coming to the part where I would be booting into either Windows 7 or Ubuntu. I have to use Super GRUB to get into Win 7.
What I would do at this point is boot free Partition Wizard CD, right click on the former Linux partitions to select Wipe Partition to deep clean them to full DOD (3X zeroing) standards to get rid of GRUB. If you know which partition GRUB was on you can give it the deepest clean. Otherwise do each of the empty partitions being sure you select the right ones which is easy to do with PW since it has a graphical interface.
I will try this. Please clarify...are the top four partitions removable without messing up Win 7?
Next boot the Win7 Repair CD and attempt to repair Startup to overcome GRUB corruption. Accept any repair offered, but if this doesn't solve the problem keep booting back in to run Startup Repair from the Recov Tools list until it fully repairs the MBR and starts up correctly.
OK.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

You last resort is then to attempt to run full Factory Recovery using key given on first boot screen, or in your manual which can be found on the computer maker's website. If you can boot into Win7 you can also attempt to make the disk set from Recov partition. As it may not work due to the GRUB corruption, you may need to order Factory Recovery disks from tech support, or find a Win7 installer of your version to clean reinstall after zeroing the entire HD using Partition Wizard CD or DISKPART command from install DVD.

If I do a full factory recovery and I still get the messed up GRUB, I wonder if I will still be able to get into Windows 7 using Super GRUB. I know I asked this above. I just want to be sure. Can I do anything stupid and lose my Windows 7 that is partitoned somewhere.

 

[gregrocker]

Where is this Super GRUB residing? It is not in any of the four empty partitions unless it is hidden. Did it possibly take over your System Active 100mb partition which is installed with WIn7 for boot files and to put Recovery Console available on Advanced Boot Tools F8 menu?

I am assuming it is hidden on one of the four empty partitions, the one(s) which formerly hosted Linux. So that is why I advised deep cleaning them which will in fact delete them while scrubbing GRUB.

However now I'm thinking this Super GRUB has infected the 100mb System partition so please unhide System and Hidden files in Control Panel>FOlder options>View and post back its contents. If Super GRUB is there then the solution would be to use Partition Wizard CD to Wipe Partition on the (optional) 100mb System Reserved partition, then rightclick Win7 partition to Modify>Mark Active, then Resize>recover 100mb into Win7 partition, then boot Win7 Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots to recover the System MBR into Win7.

We will know better once we see the unhidden contents of the 100mb partition and I can give you the exact steps then.

 

[kittyhawk63]

Where is this Super GRUB residing? It is not in any of the four empty partitions unless it is hidden. Did it possibly take over your System Active 100mb partition which is installed with WIn7 for boot files and to put Recovery Console available on Advanced Boot Tools F8 menu?
It's on a disk that I have.
I am assuming it is hidden on one of the four empty partitions, the one(s) which formerly hosted Linux. So that is why I advised deep cleaning them which will in fact delete them while scrubbing GRUB.
Super GRUB is not installed. It's a download that I have on a CD disk.
However now I'm thinking this Super GRUB has infected the 100mb System partition so please unhide System and Hidden files in Control Panel>FOlder options>View and post back its contents. If Super GRUB is there then the solution would be to use Partition Wizard CD to Wipe Partition on the (optional) 100mb System Reserved partition, then rightclick Win7 partition to Modify>Mark Active, then Resize>recover 100mb into Win7 partition, then boot Win7 Repair CD to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots to recover the System MBR into Win7.
I have to download Partition Wizard first and get the information you need. Thank you for standing by and giving me this assistance.
We will know better once we see the unhidden contents of the 100mb partition and I can give you the exact steps then.

I'll be back asap.

 

[kittyhawk63]

Here is what you are asking for.
TechSmith | Screencast.com, online video sharing, 2010-04-29_1029

 

[gregrocker]

If Super GRUB is on a boot CD and not installed on Win7, then I think wiping the four empty Partitions (one of which formerly held Linux and GRUB?) using PW will be sufficient to get GRUB corruption out.

Win7 should then be able to repair the MBR which is currently residing in the 100mb System Reserved partition that Win7 installs to manage the boot and make Recovery Console available at boot by tapping F8.

You can test to see if the F8 Recovery console is working and may not need the Repair CD to repair the MBR by running Startup Repair up to 3 times with reboots.

 

[gregrocker]

Here is what you are asking for.
TechSmith | Screencast.com, online video sharing, 2010-04-29_1029

Looks like there are remnants (of GRUB?) on the two Linux swap partitions, so I would definitely Wipe them with full DOD standard (3X zeroing) from booted Partition Wizard CD. In fact wipe all four empty partitions which will free up their space to recover into C: or do what you wish.

Boot PW CD, let files load, select 1 for screen res, rightclick each empty partition to select Wipe Partition, then select full DOD standard 3x zeroing (takes awhile.) You can then rightclick C: to Resize the cleaned partition space into C:, or make a new partition.

Then either try tapping F8 at bootup to see if the 100mb Sys Reserved partition placed "Repair My Computer" on your Advanced Boot Tools menu, or make and use the Repair CD linked earlier. In repair console, click through to Recovery tools list to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots to repair the MBR and start Win7 if GRUB corruption has been overcome.

 

[kittyhawk63]

If Super GRUB is on a boot CD and not installed on Win7, then I think wiping the four empty Partitions (one of which formerly held Linux and GRUB?) using PW will be sufficient to get GRUB corruption out.
You do know that GRUB and Super GRUB are not the same thing? To be perfectly clear...I can remove all four of the partitions that say Linux and Other, but leave the NTFS alone. Is that correct?
Win7 should then be able to repair the MBR which is currently residing in the 100mb System Reserved partition that Win7 installs to manage the boot and make Recovery Console available at boot by tapping F8.

You can test to see if the F8 Recovery console is working and may not need the Repair CD to repair the MBR by running Startup Repair up to 3 times with reboots.
I am not sure what this means. Is the F8 inside the Recovery console? I know that the F8 is one of the F keys.

I saw where you were trying to PM me. I had you blocked. You are now unblocked if you want to try again.

 

[gregrocker]

You do know that GRUB and Super GRUB are not the same thing?

Yes, I do now. If there was any GRUB on any partition then it needs to be deep cleaned off the HD, normally by zeroing the entire HD but you can isolate here to partition using PW to Wipe Partition.

To be perfectly clear...I can remove all four of the partitions that say Linux and Other, but leave the NTFS alone. Is that correct?

Yes.

Is the F8 inside the Recovery console? I know that the F8 is one of the F keys

Tapping F8 at bootup accesses Windows Advanced Boot Tools. The 100mb Sys Reserved normally places "Repair My COmputer" console (same as REpair CD) on that menu. But I suggest you make the Repair CD anyway since F8 can be disabled with Win7 failure.

I saw where you were trying to PM me. I had you blocked. You are now unblocked if you want to try again.

Just wanted you to reread my last post #28 as I updated it.

 

[kittyhawk63]

Just wanted you to reread my last post #28 as I updated it.

Ok. I will go back and reread it.

 

[kittyhawk63]

Looks like there are remnants (of GRUB?) on the two Linux swap partitions, so I would definitely Wipe them with full DOD standard (3X zeroing) from booted Partition Wizard CD. In fact wipe all four empty partitions which will free up their space to recover into C: or do what you wish.
What is DOD standard (3x zeroing)? I downloaded Partition Wizard and installed it into Windows 7 as a program. Do I need to download a different copy for a CD? I guess my answers are in your following sentences.
Boot PW CD, let files load, select 1 for screen res, rightclick each empty partition to select Wipe Partition, then select full DOD standard 3x zeroing (takes awhile.) You can then rightclick C: to Resize the cleaned partition space into C:, or make a new partition.

Then either try tapping F8 at bootup to see if the 100mb Sys Reserved partition placed "Repair My Computer" on your Advanced Boot Tools menu. If not, make and use the Repair CD linked earlier. In repair console, click through to Recovery tools list to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times to repair the MBR and start Windows 7 if GRUB corruption has been overcome.
OK. I'll do this. I will have to find where I can get the Partition Wizard for a CD. or can I have the file I downloaded installed to a CD?

 

[gregrocker]

Scroll down for bootable CD: Free Download Magic Partition Manager Software ? Partition Wizard Online

This is important to have anyway, even if Repair console shows up tapping F8 at bootup: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

 

[kittyhawk63]

Scroll down for bootable CD: Free Download Magic Partition Manager Software ? Partition Wizard Online

This is important to have anyway: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

Thank you for your continued assistance. I am off to download these programs and will follow your instructions. This may take some time. I will post my results when I am finished.
Thanks again.

BTW, if I remember right, you are in California. Same here. I live in Redding.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, I live in Venice Beach but am in Ft. Lauderdale now for some time with friend.

I will be back around 3 pm PST.

Be sure to back up your files, and a Win7 backup Image if you want to be able to start over.

I would also try one more time to make Recovery Disks from the Recov partition, and triggering it at bootup to see if it will even run Factory Recovery.

 

[kittyhawk63]

Yes, I live in Venice Beach but am in Ft. Lauderdale now for some time with friend.
My stepfather lived in Ft. Lauderdale.
I will be back around 3 pm PST.
OK. I hope to have some good news by then.
Be sure to back up your files, and a Win7 backup Image if you want to be able to start over.
I'll do that.
I would also try one more time to make Recovery Disks from the Recov partition, and triggering it at bootup to see if it will even run Factory Recovery.
Ok. I will. I've downloaded the iso that you PMed the link to. I have it ready to burn. I need to go to the store and buy some DVDs. I think I may probably be able to fix the MBR using it. It says that using the Repair feature will fix the MRB. It may take some time to go to the store because I am busy doing homework: laundry. lol

Thanks

 

[wee]

Just for the record here I am able to switch from a ms bootloader or grub in the MBR easily. The grub corruption is probably not in the Linux partitions it is in the MBR. I also have never gotten a ms bootloader restored in the MBR with the 3 repair clicks, with grub in the MBR I have to use this to restore MS. How to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot and repair startup issues in Windows

Thanks for stepping in and helping Greg, a MS pro is what this needs to get things back in order. The only problem I am seeing here is that yes grub is the problem but it is the MBR not the Linux Partitions. These partitions can be deleted easily with a Ubuntu live cd using gparted, you just have to turn off swap with a right click on it to delete them. Also you can make them NTFS partitions with gparted. When I install W7 I use gparted to build the partition 1st.

So Greg you can confirm this but the commands from a recovery disc that fixes the MBR for me are 1st Bootrec.exe then Bootrec.exe /FixMbr this should reload MS to the MBR, and wipe away grub. In the link are other commands that may be needed, we know grub is the problem but not to the extent of anything on the partitions but in the MBR.

I would get a oem install DVD so that in the end you have a way to reinstall in the future if needed, in a manner that is legitimate with the manufacturer and MS. And you will have all the tools on one DVD that will make recovery if needed easy.

Hope this all gets fixed, it will, the manufacturer will provide or MS a DVD for little cost maybe even free to reload W7 if it comes to that. MS wants you to keep using MS and are easily dealt with if shown respect, when contacted.

Also if you do a system restore with the key prompt at boot, grub will not be back it is wiped away. I think a little to much focus on grub here is causing some problems, it is quite easy to manipulate especially grub .97 which Ubuntu 7.10 came with. It is the barrier but not to the extent I think is believed here, this is I think from not understanding how it works.

 

[gregrocker]

wee, I am grateful that someone with Linux experience has provided what worked for you. We see a lot of GRUB issues on here because they continually botch Win7 installs, and the only thing that has always worked in the past is to deep clean the HD and reinstall Win7 first, then Linux and GRUB.

You say that GRUB is lodged in the System MBR, which is currently in the 100mb System Reserved boot partition. I wonder if OP could solve the boot issue by also deep cleaning that 100mb partition using PW CD, mark Win7 active and recover the MBR into Win7 partition as is done quite often.

All bootrec and bootsect commands are automated in Win7 startup Repair which is why we say to run it from Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD at least three separate times with reboots as sometimes it takes several passes to fully repair or rewrite the MBR to Win7 after it has been marked active.

 

[wee]

wee, I am grateful that someone with Linux experience has provided what worked for you. We see a lot of GRUB issues on here because they continually botch Win7 installs, and the only thing that has always worked in the past is to deep clean the HD and reinstall Win7 first, then Linux and GRUB.

You say that GRUB is lodged in the System MBR, which is currently in the 100mb System Reserved boot partition. I wonder if OP could solve the boot issue by also deep cleaning that 100mb partition using PW CD, mark Win7 active and recover the MBR into Win7 partition as is done quite often.

All bootrec and bootsect commands are automated in Win7 startup Repair which is why we say to run it from Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD at least three separate times with reboots as sometimes it takes several passes to fully repair or rewrite the MBR to Win7 after it has been marked active.

I think you are more experienced with MS then I will ever be, so I am here to learn, good luck to everybody here.

 

[gregrocker]

wee: Please continue to monitor and help with this OP and other Linux issues as they are constant - 3 today!

Many of us avoid them because we are more Windows 7 focused, so your help will be greatly appreciated by all.