GRUB/FDisk/Format problem

[butler1]

I have a computer that used to be dual boot win98/linux (redhat 8.0 i think). I want it to just be windows again, so I used the recovery disks that came with it (compaq). The problem was that when I started the computer it just goes to a blank screen with "GRUB" at the top. I kept trying different things: formating both partitions, deleting both partitions, formatting both partitions then deleting them then creating a new partition and formatting it... Nothing works. GRUB was the bootloader that I used, but shouldn't it be erased when I format the drive?

[Capmaster]

FDisk. It has an option switch for wiping the master boot record.

Fdisk /? to see switches. It's been years since I've had to use it, but it saved my neck once. That's all it takes to remember it forever

[DVD_Ripper]

Sounds like you've been using FDISK. If you have and this is not working try using an old Norton DOS Utility called WipeDisk .... it may be able to do it.

[butler1]

Yes, I have been using FDisk, but I havn't tried the switches or formatting the master boot record

Thanks

[butler1]

Thanks so much, it works now.

It turns out that there is a command in fdisk that did exactly what I wanted (as Capmaster said), called fdisk /mbr. It is for some reason "hidden", though, and it doesn't show up when you type fdisk /?.

[ViRaL1]

It's because it's 'dainjerus.' M$ way of protecting us from ourselves. :P

[Capmaster]

Thanks so much, it works now.

It turns out that there is a command in fdisk that did exactly what I wanted (as Capmaster said), called fdisk /mbr. It is for some reason "hidden", though, and it doesn't show up when you type fdisk /?.

That's the one
Glad it worked for you

[butler1]

It's because it's 'dainjerus.' M$ way of protecting us from ourselves. :P

The funny thing is, with all the other commands you have to go through two questions to make sure that you are sure about it, but when you use fdisk /mbr, it doesnt ask you anything or say anything, it just formats the mbr. Thanks again everyone.