"Cannot find GRLDR" Fixing the Bootloader on Windows 11 and 10

(⚠️WARNING PLEASE DON'T USE THIS GUIDE UNLESS YOU UNDERSTAND THAT DATA COULD BE LOST IF DON'T IMPROPERLY⚠️)

The "Cannot find GRLDR" error on Windows startup typically appears when a bootloader from GRUB4DOS (often used with dual-boot setups or bootable USB tools like Hiren's BootCD) is left behind or incorrectly configured. This can happen if the bootloader was installed to the hard drive's Master Boot Record (MBR) or if a boot entry is trying to load a missing grldr file.

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to fix the "grldr" error on Windows startup:

🛠️ Option 1: Remove GRUB4DOS Bootloader Using Windows Recovery (MBR Repair)

✅ Best if you no longer need GRUB or dual-boot setups

🔧 Requirements:

• A bootable Windows installation USB/DVD (matching your installed version)

📋 Steps:

1. Boot from Windows installation media
   Insert your USB/DVD and restart the computer. Press a key when prompted to boot from it.
2. Choose language > Click "Repair your computer"
   In the Windows setup screen, click Repair your computer (bottom left corner).
3. Open Command Prompt
   • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt

4. Fix MBR and Boot Sector
   Run the following commands one at a time:

   bootrec /fixmbr
   bootrec /fixboot
   bootrec /scanos
   bootrec /rebuildbcd
   

5. Restart your PC
   Type exit and press Enter, then reboot. Remove the installation media when prompted.

🛠️ Option 2: Delete grldr Boot Entry Using EasyBCD (if you still have Windows access)

✅ Best if you're booting into Windows but still get a "grldr" error before boot

1. Download EasyBCD (from NeoSmart Technologies)
   Website: https://neosmart.net/EasyBCD/
2. Install and launch EasyBCD
3. Go to "Edit Boot Menu" tab
   Look for any boot entries that mention GRUB4DOS or Linux, or that load grldr.
4. Delete the unwanted entry
   Select it and click "Delete."
5. Click "Save Settings" and reboot your PC.

🛠️ Option 3: Manually Remove grldr File (if present on C:)

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the root of C:\
2. Enable hidden files
   Go to View > Show > Hidden items
3. Delete grldr if you see it in the root directory (C:\grldr)
4. Check boot.ini, bcd, or other boot config files if necessary (advanced)

✅ After Fixing: Check BIOS Boot Order

Sometimes USB drives with GRUB4DOS remain plugged in and override your boot order.

1. Reboot and press the key for BIOS/UEFI setup (usually Del, F2, Esc, etc.)
2. Go to Boot Order/Priority and ensure your internal hard drive is first

✅ Summary