Removing a Dual-boot

[AdamAnubis]

I've had XP installed for about a year now as a dual boot but never actually used it and just want to get rid. (Vista is my main)

I found this guide from a quick google and just want a second (or few more) opinions from more trustworthy people as to whether it's what is needed to be done before I go ahead and end up breaking everything

http://www.syschat.com/remove-xp-xp-...boot-1927.html

[jim]

Alternatively, boot into Vista, wipe the partition, then use this tool to delete the XP boot entry: http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1

That's what I've done in the past, much easier, main downside is that you have to install the software - using the Vista disk you don't need to install anything new. It's a pretty useful piece of software though.

[AdamAnubis]

I'll use the software then, installing it/using it isn't much issue I assume?

EDIT: Using it now, will tell if you if it breaks ;p Can you use this for installing other dual boots too? (Considering Ubuntu for the future)

[jim]

No, not in my experience. Used it a heck of a lot when I ran a Vista/XP dual boot.

[AdamAnubis]

I've formatted the partition but it's still showing up (sans data) and a message came up at the end of the formatting saying 'Unable to complete format'.

Does this just mean that it needs a restart? If I do will the partition just re-merge with the main one or do I need to do something else?

I've removed the boot for XP with the program.

[alsenior]

you can use g the gparted live cd to merge the partitions make sure that you back up before any changes geometry

[AdamAnubis]

Nevermind, I think it's sorted I'll post if I have any further issues.

[AdamAnubis]

I've got rid of the partition but there's still a boot menu (with the only option being vista) when I boot up. How do I remove this (ideally with EasyBCD)?

[jim]

Can't remember exactly. Install it, load it up, and there should be a page relating to the Vista bootloader where you can edit and alter entries.

It's a long time since I used it, but afaik it's pretty easy to use.

[AdamAnubis]

Can't remember exactly. Install it, load it up, and there should be a page relating to the Vista bootloader where you can edit and alter entries.

It's a long time since I used it, but afaik it's pretty easy to use.

Yeah, after 10 minutes of looking for it I found a 'Skip bootscreen' tick-box. Ticked it, saved, restarted, and no longer any boot screen So simple. Thanks for the link, tis a very useful program indeed.

[lodore]

I'll use the software then, installing it/using it isn't much issue I assume?

EDIT: Using it now, will tell if you if it breaks ;p Can you use this for installing other dual boots too? (Considering Ubuntu for the future)

Easybcd was designed to be be able to boot any operating system. ive used it to boot linux tons of times.

ubuntu default install will replace the windows bootloader with grub2 and add windows to the bootloader as well as ubuntu. its easier than using easybcd to use the windows bootloader to boot ubuntu. if you decided to remove ubuntu you can simply use easybcd to reinstall the windows bcd bootloader and add the windows entry back: add entry windows (version) then select the drive letter,give it a a name and click on add then save.

[directhex]

Easybcd was designed to be be able to boot any operating system. ive used it to boot linux tons of times.

ubuntu default install will replace the windows bootloader with grub2 and add windows to the bootloader as well as ubuntu. its easier than using easybcd to use the windows bootloader to boot ubuntu. if you decided to remove ubuntu you can simply use easybcd to reinstall the windows bcd bootloader and add the windows entry back: add entry windows (version) then select the drive letter,give it a a name and click on add then save.

Or do the reverse, and use Ubuntu's boot loader to load Windows (Ubuntu will do this by default)

[lodore]

Or do the reverse, and use Ubuntu's boot loader to load Windows (Ubuntu will do this by default)

I did mention that. maybe I should of added gaps or something.