Ubuntu and Windows

[tbtn]

Very frustrated currently. I have a computer with Ubuntu installed and wanted to install Windows to replace it. But apparently, the method of doing so is completely over my head. Isn't there some point and click install option?!!?

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Did you already try to wipe the drive or erase all partitions and then install windows?
you may have to use something like a Gparted boot disc first.

 

[Evander]

I remember the first time I tried to delete Linux in the late 1990s. I thought formating the c: drive would do the trick but nope, I had to use the command fdisk /mbr

We don't use DOS anymore, but I believe the free disk wiping software DBAN will wipe the disk and MBR at the same time. but if you have a windows system restore partition on your drive, especially if you haven't backed it up, you might want to stay away from DBAN.

Anyway, after DBAN is finished you just need to insert your Windows install DVD in the drive, start up the computer, and it should prompt you to create an NTFS partition during setup and it will install onto that

 

[cl-scott]

Gparted will do it, or you can boot the Ubuntu installer and use the partitioning tool there to do it as well.

 

[Gs dewd]

Or you could boot from your windows disc and delete ALL the partitions then let windows re partition the drive. I have done this a few times testing different system and going from Ubuntu to windows on the same drive. The windows install disc is all you need.

 

[tbtn]

Did you already try to wipe the drive or erase all partitions and then install windows?
you may have to use something like a Gparted boot disc first.

nope, have not done that. I was afraid I'd wipe everything off of the computer and really FUBAR things. I'm going to try to re-partition the drive this evening...keeping my fingers crossed i don't break anything.

 

[cl-scott]

Or you could boot from your windows disc and delete ALL the partitions then let windows re partition the drive. I have done this a few times testing different system and going from Ubuntu to windows on the same drive. The windows install disc is all you need.

I haven't tried it since the XP days, but I know the XP first stage installer would hang if it detected non-FAT/NTFS partitions long before you got to a point where you could partition the drive. Maybe that's changed post-XP, but Gparted is pretty much a guaranteed option, plus it's not a bad idea to have something like a gparted disc around.