[JAILBR3AK3R]

So a few days ago I got my computer working with lubuntu and all. It was very fun to play around with. But I quickly got tired of not being able to download the ristricted extras package. So I made a bootable usb and installed ubuntu on my already lubuntu filled hdd. So now I have two operating systems. I want to format my drive again and competely start from a clean slate. I tried formating using the Format Disk option from both lubuntu and ubuntu but it kept saying that the drive was in use. Im booting the lubuntu from the hdd and the ubuntu from the usb, but it installed on the hdd also. I want to spray a can of ubuntu and lubuntu Raid up in there lol.

[JAILBR3AK3R]

Bump

[prunejuice]

Let the Ubuntu installer do all the work. Choose "Use Entire Disk" from the installation USB/CD.

[InterKnight]

Hello, JAILBR3AK3R.

I understand your frustrations; I used to be there, too.

First (and I am not trying to lecture), understand that Linux (regardless of whichever flavor you decide to use--Ubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Fedora, etc) will have a learning curve. Look at it from this perspective we who use or who have used Windows had to learn the Windows operating system from the ground-up, and it is the same for Linux. Both operating systems may have similarities, but they are quite different; not that it is a bad thing.

On to your dilemma.

Decide which flavor you want to use--Ubuntu or Lubuntu (or something else). If you are new to Linux, the *buntus are probably the best place to start. I used Ubuntu for nearly five years, but due to some accessibility related issues it was not as usable to me, being a blind user. So, although it takes a bit more configuration, I now use Fedora.

As prunejuice mentioned, the installer can take care of the installation for you, provided that you specify the installation method. I will briefly describe this below.

When you go back through the installer, you should be presented with a few choices as to how the installer should install your system. Plese forgive me as I am going to paraphrase below. The options will be listed somewhat like this:

• Upgrade an existing Ubuntu system
• Install Ubuntu alongside [insert operating system name here]
• Use the entire hard disk for Ubuntu
• Manual configuration

You would choose the option which would erase the entire content of the hard disk and replace it with Ubuntu. Once this is done you should not have the dilemma of having two *buntus on yoru system.

As I mentioned earlier, I understand your frustration because I used to be there. Just give it time and patience. It is well worth the learning and well worth the work.

We will be here to help you along the way.

Take care.

[saikee]

The way I describe the OP problem is to put out a contract on a hitman to kill himself. No hitman would take that contract.

The morale of the story is if you want to destroy an operating system don't boot it up. Use another operating system instead, like a Live CD.

If a partition is in use unmount it first otherwise no decent operating system will format a mounted partition.

[JAILBR3AK3R]

Okay, understand I have tried unmounting in the Disk Utility but when I try to format, same error. Thanks for the replies.

[JAILBR3AK3R]

So should I reinstall?

How would I go about doing this since i already have Ubuntu installed?

[InterKnight]

Hello.

You would just boot back into your live medium (CD, USB, etc) and go through the installation process again, choosing the option to erase the hard disk contents and use the whole hard drive for your installation. This should then wipe both operating systems and leave you with whichever distributin you choose to use.

If you have already saved some personal data on the drive, though, be sure to back it up.

I hope that this helps.

Take care.

[saikee]

If I may say let's prove it.

To show if any partition has been mounted the command is

df

To show the geometry of all the disks

sudo fdisk -l

If one wants to umount say a partition /dev/sda2 it is

sudo umount /dev/sda2

That partition can then be formatted, say to ext4

sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda2

So if there is an error post it here.

[JAILBR3AK3R]

How can i boot to the instalation screen when i have ubuntu already installed?

[1002richards]

Originally Posted by JAILBR3AK3R

How can i boot to the instalation screen when i have ubuntu already installed?

You boot in to the live CD and not the installed version.

[JAILBR3AK3R]

Alright, I made another USB bootable with a clean ubuntu and plugged er in. It took me to the instalation screen and I chose "Erase Ubuntu 12.04 and Reinstal" or something like that. It worked fine and the partitions are gone. Thank you so much guys. I'm off to install Wine, Java, and flash, then play some minecraft :P. i'll come back if i have problems.

[1002richards]

Pleased to read that! Would you now mark this 'solved' (if it is?) thanks.

[InterKnight]

I am very glad to hear that everything worked out for you!

[craisin]

I have been using Linux for close to 6 years now
Most of my problems in the beginning using mixed brands of RAM and mixed brands of hard drives