Weird booting error

[Athanasius]

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.

 

[theog]

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

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2668-partition-volume-delete.html?ltr=P
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2674-partition-volume-create-new.html?ltr=P
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/71432-partition-mark-active.html?ltr=P

Try a full clean & full format in command prompt.
1) Boot DVD & Press Shift+F10 (for command prompt)
2) Boot DVD, & http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/682-command-prompt-startup.html
(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



http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html
How to Remove Linux and Install Windows XP

 

[Athanasius]

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.

 

[Lemur]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20864-mbr-restore-windows-7-master-boot-record.html

 

[theog]

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.

 

[Athanasius]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20864-mbr-restore-windows-7-master-boot-record.html

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

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?

 

[Hopalong X]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html

Take a look at this and see if it will get you booted back in at least. Then you can get your info off the drive if you end up needing to do an install.

If it gets rid of the Grub you might be okay. Check out Option Two if.

Worth taking a look at before a reinstall.

 

[Lemur]

EasyBCD.

Download EasyBCD 2.0.2 - NeoSmart Technologies

 

[Athanasius]

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