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[SOLVED] Format Linux install windows


9three

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Hey guys I installed Ubuntu. Unfortunately I need some programs that only run under windows. The problem is that I deleted my partition for the recovery that my laptop brings.

 

I've been trying for nearly 5 hours to figure how to delete the linux partition and install windows again.

 

I can't install windows when I pop the CD in because it's not partitioned for windows.

 

So what I'm trying to do is format my HD completely and then install windows. I am unable to do that though. I don't know if there is a way to go into the command prompt from the boot screen and type in a command to delete the linux partitions?

 

I used openSUSE to remove the partitions but it wouldn't let me remove one, which I think it's whats stopping me from executing Windows. I also tried Ubuntu to do the same but I can't figure it out.

 

I need to fix this asap, as I might have to start a project tomorrow morning :-/

 

edit:

 

I understand if I can somehow reach the command prompt without booting to the desktop that i can use:

 

sudo mkfs /dev/sda

 

and it will delete evertyhing.

 

I cant do that while in the desktop because its in current use

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First off, mkfs probably wouldn't help you unless it can do NTFS or FAT32 (ewwww FAT).

 

 

Second, the Windows XP and Vista installers can both erase/add partitions.  I've done it before.

 

 

Last resort could be a live CD that has NTFS formatting capabilities.

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It doesn't work for me using my Windows XP cd. It says that there was an error and the process had to be stopped. It also says that I should check for viruses and check the fdisk to make sure everything is correct.

 

Non of those really match anything I have done. There is no virus because well, its a new OS with nothing else.

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why would your computer not boot from a Windows CD?

your BIOS is set to boot from CD first, right?

 

Well, if all else fails....and you have a spare working computer with a CD burner on it.

I would download Hiren's Boot CD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb5zYMaCnm8

click the More Info button when you get there

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I have seen issues before with a Windows install cd balking when there is a linux partition on the hard drive. The windows installer just stalled on me.

 

If you load up a LiveCD in linux etc. run:

cfdisk

and delete all the partitions.

 

(note, you are going to wipe everything and there aint no going back).

 

I managed to get around it by using another hard disk, so I dunno if cfdisk will work.

 

-steve

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I have seen issues before with a Windows install cd balking when there is a linux partition on the hard drive. The windows installer just stalled on me.

 

If you load up a LiveCD in linux etc. run:

cfdisk

and delete all the partitions.

 

(note, you are going to wipe everything and there aint no going back).

 

I managed to get around it by using another hard disk, so I dunno if cfdisk will work.

 

-steve

 

Which LiveCD would you recommend? What commands would I have to input? cfdisk, what else? or is this a press [1] for partitioning [2] to view partitions on the HD, etc?

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I have seen issues before with a Windows install cd balking when there is a linux partition on the hard drive. The windows installer just stalled on me.

 

If you load up a LiveCD in linux etc. run:

cfdisk

and delete all the partitions.

 

(note, you are going to wipe everything and there aint no going back).

 

I managed to get around it by using another hard disk, so I dunno if cfdisk will work.

 

-steve

 

Which LiveCD would you recommend? What commands would I have to input? cfdisk, what else? or is this a press [1] for partitioning [2] to view partitions on the HD, etc?

 

I use the gparted live cd for things like this. Also, you could hide the linux partition and install windows(may have to edit boot.ini for windows). Then fix grub.

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Which LiveCD would you recommend? What commands would I have to input? cfdisk, what else? or is this a press [1] for partitioning [2] to view partitions on the HD, etc?

 

Any LiveCD. Ubuntu will do fine.

 

Open a Terminal.

type:

sudo cfdisk  (or just type cfdisk). Its press [1] etc. tool.

 

How about just put in another hard drive and test????

 

-steve

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I'm running on a laptop and I don't have another HD around.

 

I downloaded GParted but I'm noticing that when it partitions, it doesn't delete the Linux directories. So I think that /dev/sda will always exist, and I think thats where the problem is.

 

How do you hide the linux partition?

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