[cstrikehero777]

i accidently fully installed ubuntu instead of a dual boot. i want window for my games and stuff.. emulators dont cut it.. but i cant find any solid deifinate ways to do it... andything would be appreciated

[DoubleHelix]

Use a partition manager like GParted to remove the Linux partition(s), and then just boot from the Windows disk to create a new partition and install.

[cstrikehero777]

i read u have to restore the windows partitions first before deleting linux. otherwise it wont work.. true or not? if it is ur supposed to boot from setup disk and restore windows boot stuff.. or somethin like that.. but grub or w/ever wont let me boot from my disk

[TerryNet]

Do you have an XP installation CD? If so, boot from it and see if you can use it to do any repartitioning needed and to format the one you want to use NTFS. Windows will probably get all upset if your partition is not one of the very few it understands. In that case, you will need to use another partition manager, such as what DoubleHelix suggested.

Or, did we misunderstand? I interpreted your first post to mean that you destroyed XP by installing Ubuntu over it. If you actually have them both installed in separate partitions and just have to get the boot manager fixed up to include XP that's different.

[cstrikehero777]

ya i installed over it.. destroying windows.. i have a partition editor.. so i make a partition in my main drive a NTFS format big enough for windows.. istall onto that.. then remove ubunt is this correct?

[TerryNet]

Yes, but if you are going to divide or format the partition that Ubuntu is in you won't have to worry about "remove ubunt."

[Cappi]

Or as a last resort you can use a wipe disk to wipe out everything on your disk and start over with a fresh install Windows XP. After you install XP try re-installing Ubuntu in a separate partition. Windows XP normally likes to be the first one installed when you are doing a dual boot. I'm sure some of the "old timers" know a way around this, but it will save you a lot of headachs.

[cstrikehero777]

i ended up wiping the disk. i am talking to you now from the Trial of ubuntu.. from the disk.. lol. i used ubuntus partition editor to format my two disks to NTFS and i read that Dell computers and their.. rather difficult bios.. are very picky on how disks are set up.. it was suggested that i try it with one disk then put the second in l8r..

tried that.. no go. my system setup menus allow me to see both HD meaning they can be detected tho.. which is wierd.. anyway.. the XP install cd i have is good (tryed on another computer. worked fine) but my computer dosent even try to boot from it. needless to say it boots perfectly from the ubunt CD.. odd.. ive tryed a floppy boot as well no go.. my next tactic is to intall XP onto my hD with another computer (Not a dell..lol) and then put the installed windows XP HD back into this computer hoping it will work.

simple version of all that.

both disk are NTFS for windows
the secondary has been pulled out
im trying to put XP in the main HD via another PC

Wish me luck

anymore advise would be greatly apprecited.. im not that good with computer but im ok... im not messing with jumpers so dont suggest that.. i jacked up a CMOS once that way. locked me out completly..

[cstrikehero777]

UPDATE

I got it to read the disk on the "problem computer!

i think so anyway..

ive read a little bit but the error i have now is

BOOTMGR Missing

press ctrl+alt+del to restart


thats the new problem

[TerryNet]

I don't understand why the XP install CD will not boot. I thought any bootable CD should be able to boot regardless of the existence or status of any hard drive(s). Can somebody confirm this, or set me straight?

You're sure you have the CD selected first in the boot order? I ask because "BOOTMGR Missing" could be because the hard drive is being accessed before the CD.

[Cappi]

My experience has been that with Windows XP that it must be installed first and then install Ubuntu.

[TerryNet]

Originally Posted by Cappi

My experience has been that with Windows XP that it must be installed first and then install Ubuntu.

That's what the OP is trying to do; have to get the XP install CD to boot before the install can begin.

[Squashman]

Well if the CD is not booting it is one of two things. I am not by any means accusing anybody of anything here.
1) Bios isn't set correctly
2) Not a legit install cd?

[cstrikehero777]

the install CD is legit.. and it works(tested on another computer)
and bios order is this:

1: IDE CD-ROM device
2iskette drive (i tried floppy too)
3:Hard disk drive:c

ubuntu install gives you the option to format and install making it the only OS on the HD or a dual boot meaning you can switch which one u want to load at startup

i havent got a hold of another computer someone will let me try installing XP on my HD with .. that may be the answer but.. ya idk

[DoubleHelix]

That's not going to work. You can't install Windows on one computer and then stick the hard drive in another. The drivers are different, and the install probably wouldn't even boot.