[SOLVED] Getting Windows Back

[Stump1]

Hey all! I need help!
In short, here's what happened:
I tried to install the OpenSuse liveCD onto a USB flashdrive... I booted onto the CD, started install (selected the flashdrive), and it seemed like all went well. However, when it is time to reboot, the system starts up, and then won't boot, giving GRUB error 21. I tried booting all the other options, tried booting with/without the flash drive in, but it still won't get anywhere. My original goal was to leave the desktop system (windows XP) alone, and just make it so I could use the USB on another computer. Now I'm trying to get windows back, so that the system is how it originally was. I did try burning the Super Grub disk, but it would not boot... (Grub error 21 again)

I can get any specs on the system if that would help... Thanks ahead of time!

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

I'm sorry to hear that Linux is not working out well for you. Here's a HowTo directly from Microsoft for removing Linux and installing Windows XP:

How to Remove Linux and Install Windows XP

The SuperGRUB LiveCD should be able to fix any bootloader issues you might be having. You can use this HowTo for making sure that you've properly downloaded it, burned it to CD, and then booted with it.

Let us know if the above doesn't work, and remember that we'll still be here should you try Linux again.

[wowbag1]

Hi,
The link below is for the GRUB error codes.
GRUB Error Messages
21 appears to be an unknown boot failure reasons unknown.
However check the BIOS settings for boot options, if this is OK it maybe just a failed setup. In which case I would recommend using the windows disk or another boot loader disk like smart boot perhaps to get your windows working again and see if you can see any problems and or start again.

Hope this gives you help

wowbag1

[br0ken]

How to Remove Linux and Install Windows XP

This is a bit off subject, but I checked out that link and I saw a line that I found extremely funny (maybe some of you will too).

NOTE: Windows XP and Linux can coexist on the same computer. For additional information, refer to your Linux documentation.

It is funny to me because they give you detailed instructions on how to REMOVE Linux and put Windows only onto a hard drive. But if you want to know how to use both, they can't help you. It's like they are saying: "Go find help somewhere else with that issue. We can only help you if you ONLY want our product on your hard drive!"
Anyone else atleast find that kind of funny/ironic?

[Roxoff]

It is pretty ironic, but then would you trust Microsoft's instructions if they were to tell you how to install Linux? I know I wouldn't. You'd end up with your SuSE install running on NTFS...

Anyway, I'm locking this thread 'cos it's done, and we're getting a bit off topic. This can be carried on in the Coffee Lounge if you want.