Linux – How to edit Master Boot Record from Windows XP recovery console

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How to alter Master Boot Record from Windows XP Recovery Console so that it points at an extended Linux partition instead of a NTFS one it is pointing at now?

My MBR used to point at extended partition and every time I powered on a Linux loader started where I could choose to start my Ubuntu.

After a failed Windows XP installation my hard drive's MBR is pointing at the NTFS, which contains currupt Windows XP that won't start.

How do I change MBR back to the state when the booting process proceeds from the Linux partition.

Windows XP recovery console from its installation CD is the only one tool I have right now. It has fixmbr command, but it seems only to be able to fix a corrupt MBR, so it can't change MBR to point to another partition.

Is there any way to change MBR with WinXP recovery console?

UPD: I can also rephrase the question like this: "How to change boot parititon under Windows XP recovery console?"

Best Answer

The MBR simply contains executable code to start the bootloader. The Windows Bootloader configuration is stored in C:\boot.ini.

That aside, for a Linux/Windows dual boot situation, I recommend using GRUB in place of the standard Windows boot loader. If you need to get into your Linux partition in order to set this up, I recommend Super Grub Disk. This tool can be used to boot any OS on your computer, or install GRUB to your MBR.

Good luck!