Uninstalling the Boot Manager GRUB from the MBR
Support knowledgebase (fhassel_deinstall_grub)
Applies to
SuSE Linux: Versions since 8.1
Subject
How to uninstall GRUB from the MBR (Master Boot Record) of the hard disk.
Procedure
As GRUB does not make any backup of the MBR during the installation, it can only be uninstalled
by overwriting the MBR with another boot manager. Therefore, the MBR must be rewritten using
a different operating system.
Using a DOS or Windows 9x/ME Boot Floppy
In case you have DOS or Windows 9x/ME on your system, you can use fdisk
for this purpose. Create a rescue disk in DOS or Windows 9x/ME, use it to boot the
computer, and execute fdisk as follows:
fdisk /mbr
The MBR will be rewritten and GRUB will be uninstalled.
Using an OS/2 Boot Floppy
If you use OS/2, the corresponding command is:
fdisk /newmbr
Using Windows XP
In Windows XP, you can uninstall GRUB as follows:
Boot from the Windows XP CD and press the "R" key during the setup in order to
start the Recovery Console. Select your Windows XP installation from the list and enter the
administrator password. At the input prompt, enter the command "FIXMBR"
and confirm the query with "y". The MBR will be rewritten
and GRUB will be uninstalled. Press "exit" to reboot the computer.
Using Windows 2000
In Windows 2000, you can uninstall GRUB as follows:
Boot from the Windows 2000 CD and press the "R" key during the setup and the "K"
key in the following menu in order to start the Recovery Console. Select your Windows 2000 installation from
the list and enter the administrator password. At the input prompt, enter the command "FIXMBR"
and confirm the query with "y". The MBR will be rewritten
and GRUB will be uninstalled. Press "exit" to reboot the computer.
Keywords: GRUB, BOOT MANAGER, BOOT LOADER, UNINSTALL, REMOVE, MBR
Categories:
GRUB
SDB-fhassel_deinstall_grub, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany
- Version: 24. Sep 2002
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 03. Dec 2002 by glazzar (sdb_gen 1.40.0)