Removing Ubuntu 7.04

Mark JB · 29 Apr 2007 at 16:30

I have my dads old laptop computer that is currently running XP. If i install Ubuntu and dual boot am i able to remove Ubunutu without affecting XP ?

I ask because i would have to remove Ubuntu before giving it back but couldn't format the machine as i dont have the XP license key and have only previously removed Ubuntu using a full hard drive format.

Thanks

fester · 29 Apr 2007 at 20:14

Yes you need Partition Magic or Acornis and Your Windows disk. From windows Use Partition Magic or Acornis to delete the ext3 and the swap portion .Then put in the windows disk when u get to the install option choose recovery R this brings up a dos like screen then enter the command fixboot and restart.This will remove Grub and boot strait to windows. By the way you don't need the key just a windows xp disk.

BoomAM · 29 Apr 2007 at 23:04

Or you could just use gparted on the Ubuntu Live CD to resize the partitions before installation, and then afterwards, use it again to put it back to before, and then use the XP CD to fix it so that its back to its original state.
Saves a few £.

fumbles · 30 Apr 2007 at 03:00

Make sure you have a backup of everything. Partitioning doesn't always work the way you wanted.

The licence key should be on the bottom of the laptop on a sticker.

fester · 30 Apr 2007 at 03:25

BoomAM said:
Or you could just use gparted on the Ubuntu Live CD to resize the partitions before installation, and then afterwards, use it again to put it back to before, and then use the XP CD to fix it so that its back to its original state.
Saves a few £.

Good thinking It's just that i have partion magic and aconis on my windows partion and it's a lot quicker than booting up the live cd.

craptakular · 30 Apr 2007 at 11:22

I understand your worried about your windows partition. well your right to be worried. I have on countless times lost my windows partitions Best bet is to back up all your data.

I found that using Gparted worked a treat to partition my drive properly. It also meant that when i totally fudged up linux i could easily format it and start again.

In order to never lose access to your windows partition, i recommend the follow steps:

Download the brilliant disk "ultimate Boot disk" this will enable you to set your windows partition back to the main one again if you fudge up GRUB.

then shove your XP disk in your drive reboot into recovery mode, then run these TWO commands:

fixmbr
fixboot

It may need them inputted the other way around i cant remember off-hand.

Since i learn't these steps i have never lost my windows partition since.

Hope this helps.

PS:I also recommend reading posts on ubuntuforums.org & reading guides @ ubuntuguide.org. These have helped me no-end.

Mark JB · 30 Apr 2007 at 20:12

Thanks everyone.

I ran Ubuntu for a year and got pretty handy in Linux but since i moved out (bought a macbook) i've been missing the Ubuntu community and free apps.

I knew it was difficult but just wanted to make sure i wasn't missing a trick, think ill make sure everything is backed up before i do it.