How to Restore Windows XP, or Undo Dual-Boot

How to Return to a Single Boot Windows XP System

This is assuming that, like I do, you have been experimenting with dual-booting, to try out some flavor of Linux or FreeBSD alongside a Windows XP installation, and now you want to get rid of the dual-boot, and return Windows XP total control of the PC.

In my case, I obtained a laptop which I decided would be my experimental machine, and I wanted to allow Windows XP to use the whole disk of my original PC.

Step 1: Prerequisites

Before you start, you'll need the original Windows XP install disk as you'll need to use it's "rescue" option to restore the Master Boot Record.

Step 2: Remove Other Partitions

In Windows XP, go to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management, then select Disk Management

Select the partitions that are not Windows (are not FAT ot NTFS), and delete them. You can create new windows partitions here, or use a tool like Partition Manager.

Step 3: Restore Master Boot Record

Insert your original Windows XP installation disk, and reboot the PC.

Once the CD has loaded, choose the Repair option (but not the auto-repair). When you get to the command-line, type the following:

fixmbr
exit
    

When you type fixmbr it will give you a lot of warnings, but go ahead and do it anyway.

Then remove the CD and reboot. Windows XP will now be the sole controller of your hard-disk.