Dual booting Linux along with a Windows is a great way of enjoying the Linux distribution while retaining the ubiquitous, and often indispensable, Windows. But there's just one problem. Windows crash.

If the Windows operating on the dual-boot system crashes, how do you fix it without disturbing Ubuntu (or Debian or Open Suse or just any other Linux)? When the Windows is reinstalled on the system, it cuts you off from your Ubuntu. Windows makes changes to the master boot loader and disables the Grub loader that enables dual-booting option. In simpler terms, after re-installing Windows, you won't get the option of choosing which operating system to choose even though the Ubuntu is still present in the system. Reinstalling Windows on a dual-boot system just cuts off your access to Ubuntu and automatically starts Windows. How to recover Ubuntu after Windows installation?

The solution: Super Grub Disk

Super Grub Disk allows you to revert your system to earlier state with Grub loader allowing you to choose between Windows and Ubuntu, thereby restoring access to the old Ubuntu.

1. Start Windows.
2. Download Auto for Windows version of Super Grub Disk.
3. Double-click and begin the installation wizard of Super Grub Disk.


4. Now choose Auto Super Grub Disk from the "Distribution" option and click OK. (You will find a detailed instruction on this installation screen.)
5. Restart the computer after installation complete.


6. Use down arrow key to select Auto Super Grub Disk option in the boot menu and press Enter.


7. Auto Super Grub Disk will come in action. Just wait for it to finish the job.
8. If everything goes OK, you will see the Grub menu.
9. Choose your Ubuntu (Linux) distribution and hit Enter to boot it.
10. After entering Ubuntu, reboot the computer.
11. You will see the Grub menu without going to Windows directly.
12. Choose your Windows and boot it by hitting Enter
13. This will lead you to another boot menu screen with Windows and Super Grub Disk options. Choose Windows.


14. Once the Windows boots, the Super Grub Disk wizard will ask if you want to remove the application. Say yes. In some cases, you might not see the wizard but a security warning for the Super Grub Disk wizard. Make sure that you allow Super Grub Disk wizard to run. If not, you will have to deal with the extra boot menu screen with Super Grub Disk option every time you try to boot Windows. I am sure you don't want that annoyance.
15. After Super Grub Disk is uninstalled, you get your old dual-boot system back.

Super Grub Disk Wiki