Remove Linux from dual boot PC and restore Windows XP

Optional project, you may go straight to Install MX-Linux Dual Boot on 32bit Computer. This project is how to remove our Linux partitions and return the computer to single-boot just Windows.

Starting Point

We have a safe backup of our dual boot drive for the Dell D410 computer. We cannot delete our Linux partition while it is active. Ubuntu can Resize/Move the partition but delete is not available.

Delete Partition

Boot with a live Linux DVD or USB. Here we are using MX Linux 32bit. Open GParted and select the SSD.

Right-click the linux partition /dev/sda5 and select delete partition. Click on the checkmark in the menu bar to apply changes.

Done! If we restart, the computer will not boot for us. When we deleted the Linux partition we erased the GRUB bootloader files.

Reboot

Our Windows partition with MBR is still there. But we have erased our Grub configuration files. Instead of booting the computer will go into a grub rescue mode.

We can boot manually by typing all the same information.

But we are going to look at two ways of repairing the MBR and returning to Windows single boot mode.

Repair MBR Option 1

Use the Windows XP install disk. This is the original disk that came with the computer.

Boot from the disk and you will arrive at this screen. Press R to open a Recovery Console.

A scan finds the Windows XP installation. Select by number and enter the Adminstrator password, if any.

Enter fixmbr and you will be prompted.

Exit, remove CD and Reboot. System should restart normally.

Boot Repair Option 2

Download Boot Repair 32bit Live Linux and create a bootable DVD or USB. Boot from the DVD or USB and a Recommended repair option will be offered. This will accomplish the same as with the install CD.

Power off. Remove USB or DVD and restart computer. Windows should boot normally.

To know more about the recommended boot repair option you can get a summary to look over.

Option 3 Linux Install

Instead of rebooting to a broken GRUB configuration. We can use our Live Linux to go straight to install. Menu driven options will prompt whether to install alongside Windows or to use full disk space. Advantage is not repairing MBR and letting the Linux installer take care of the details.