Cannot delete GNU GRUB bootloader

[AndyCuz]

Can anyone help me, I installed a Linux distro some years and called Elementary OS. I now cannot seem to remove this no matter what I try. I have tried fixing the mbr, tried to use something called BCDEDIT etc. there is nothing showing in the EFI for Linux but it still shows when I boot up and have to manually choose Windows. I have checked in the BIOS and can't see any option.

I also wanted to create a recovery disk, but the tool I use will not recognise any USB drives formatted as exFAT or NTFS, when I choose the recovery options in Windows boot up it tells me this it not available and to contact the manufacturer. I am a Mac users usually so all of this just seems so painful and convoluted to try and fix. I cannot seem to get support from HP as there is no warranty on the laptop.

[Pallipurath]

Hi @AndyCuz,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

I understand that you're having trouble removing the GNU GRUB bootloader from your system. This situation can be challenging, especially if you want to restore the Windows bootloader.  I would request you to please follow the below steps to resolve the issue.

Boot from Windows Installation Media:

• Insert a Windows installation USB or DVD and boot from it.
• Choose your language preferences and click "Next."
• Click on "Repair your computer."

Use Command Prompt:

• Go to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt."
• Once in Command Prompt, run the following commands to restore the Windows bootloader:
• bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /rebuildbcd
• These commands will attempt to fix the master boot record and rebuild the BCD store.

Check Boot Order:

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Ensure that your Windows boot manager is set as the first boot option.

Remove Linux Partitions:

• Once you can boot into Windows, you can use the Disk Management tool to delete the partitions used by Linux and reallocate or format the space as necessary.

Take care and have an amazing day!

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards

Pallipurath.

[AndyCuz]

Hi thanks for your reply and information. 

I had however tried all of the suggestions you have made and somehow the BCD did not show anything relating to Linux or any partitions existing for the OS. I then managed to get hold of an app called EasyUEFI that showed multiple old copies of Linux that I had removed some time ago, and some that didn’t even show on the bootloader. I used this tool to delete all of these which has now fixed the issue. Sadly nothing within Windows or the BIOS was capable of showing this information without EasyUEFI. I had spent over 4 hours looking and working through all suggestions on Google. 

[Pallipurath]

Hi @AndyCuz.

Thank you for responding.

We’re sorry to hear that the issue is still unresolved.

Please be informed that HP provides support only for Windows operating systems. Although we have already shared the basic troubleshooting steps that may help address the issue, support beyond this scope is unfortunately not available from our end.

As this matter falls outside HP’s supported environment, we kindly request that you contact your Linux distribution’s support team or relevant Linux community resources for further assistance

Take care and have an amazing day!

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards

Pallipurath.