Can I undo a Linux partition that has left my C: drive unbootable?

Question

(And I mean unbootable in Linux AND Windows XP.) I was trying to install Mandrake's edition of Linux to be swappable with XP on my HP Windows Media Player PC. Although I tried to be careful about creating the partition on an empty area of the disk, I somehow managed to screw it up. All my data are still there, but I can't access it. I'd like to be able to restore without reinstalling XP, since that requires reformatting the drive. I've tried Partition Commander, Fix-It Utilities 6, and also have a Knoppix DVD that I can boot from.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Try
fdisk /mbr
from you XP rescue floppy.
The main reason is not your Linux partition but Linux loader sitting there in your MBR.
Next time, installing Linux along with another OS, read installation instructions carefully.

Answer 2

The best way is to Repair your WinXP. It will store all your data as it was before.
1. Put the Bootable CD in (Boot from it)
2. Select install XP
3. After disk checking it will give u the option if u wan2 Repair or Reinstall
Select repair.

( You can also install XP without formatting the drive it will also save your data, although all the installed (installed before) programs will not work)

Neo