Ubuntu will not boot after removing Windows Partition

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alisam

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#319294 11-Apr-2025 07:42

Finally made the decision to delete the Windows partition on a dual boot laptop.

I deleted the Windows partition and extended the Ubuntu partition.

I removed Grub Customiser.

But the laptop will not boot- 'Boot device not found'.

(I did not remove the System Reserved or Recovery partitions).

All I have is a Timeshift snapshot on a USB external drive and the USB thumb drive for installing Ubuntu)

Any options, other than re-installing Ubuntu?

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michaelmurfy

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#3362853 11-Apr-2025 08:14

You'll likely need to repair your bootloader: https://askubuntu.com/questions/831216/how-can-i-reinstall-grub-to-the-efi-partition

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alisam

878 posts

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#3363240 12-Apr-2025 17:07

michaelmurfy:

You'll likely need to repair your bootloader: https://askubuntu.com/questions/831216/how-can-i-reinstall-grub-to-the-efi-partition

I wasn't comfortable trying to get through the various solutions in the article.

The Disk and Memory diagnostics presented via the BIOS all passed.

I did read several articles and watched a few YouTube videos for things to try.

I eventually used the Windows Disk and Partition Manager to format the whole disk to NTFS.

Tried a complete reinstall of Ubuntu. It failed several times. When it did install, the same error appeared at boot time.

I thought the disk had failed and so was all set to pop out to buy a new SSD but first tried a spare mechanical HDD. I still couldn't get the laptop to boot. Same error as before.

I reverted back to NTFS and re-installed Windows 10. The laptop booted first time and has done so several times.

My Linux days are on hold for now.

JemS

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#3363289 12-Apr-2025 17:16

I have also been trying to install ubuntu today with no success. Same error.

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ezbee

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#3363303 12-Apr-2025 19:32

That is strange.
Though maybe there was something left behind that Windows ignores that Linux does not.
A Linux disk manager/inspection tool might reveal a hidden small partition or something in configuration ?

My small experience is with Mint.
I did have some odd things happen when I tried to change dual boot order, though it kinda fixed itself.

Linux Mint includes 'Boot-Repair' utility in its standard install.
I gather Ubuntu does not though you can app get the utility manually afterwards.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Boot-Repair

https://sourceforge.net/p/boot-repair/home/Home/