Creating a Linux Live USB destroyed a dual-boot computer!

[DashW]

BEFORE: A computer able to dual boot into Windows 7 and Windows XP, using the Windows 7 Boot-Loader.

 

THEN: Attempted to install gOS Linux onto a 16GB USB pen drive using the standard gOS/ubuntu installer.

Left the advanced settings untouched, and accidentally installed the GRUB boot loader onto the boot drive!!

 

AFTER: Unable to boot into Windows XP, Windows 7 or the Live USB!!!

 

THEN: Used the Windows 7 setup disk to fix the Windows 7 boot loader... sort of...

Visited pendrivelinux.com and followed the long-winded instructions to create a gOS Live USB. All steps completed successfully, but still unable to boot.

 

NOW: Fully able to boot into Windows 7, but no program can identify the XP installation, even though the file structure of that partition is still intact.

Attempting to boot into the Live USB produces "Error 17".

 

Help!

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Oh dear, what a mess.

 

Sounds to me like the grub has totally mangled the windows mbr, what happens when you remove the USB option to boot.

 

What did you do with regard to this exactly?

 

Used the Windows 7 setup disk to fix the Windows 7 boot loader... sort of...

[jessejazza]

THEN: Attempted to install gOS Linux onto a 16GB USB pen drive using the standard gOS/ubuntu installer.

Left the advanced settings untouched, and accidentally installed the GRUB boot loader onto the boot drive!

 

isn't one supposed to use Unetbootin... current version on ubuntu has a default app for making a boot usb?

[Jelly Bean]

I think you possibly need to repair the MBR?

[maynardvdm]

This isnt very good advice, and if it was meant to be a joke its not funny.

 

I have deleted your post.