windows CD. (HELP!)

[Silicate Wielder]

My computer originsally ran windows 7, but my mom had my remove ubuntu and install windows back onto my computer, but when i use this windows XP CD, It always tells my my hardrive misconfigured, i repartioned my drive with a FAT partition but it still comes up with the same message, any tips? And this happens as soom as recovery options load, i do have the disks original product key aswell.

[Commander Thor]

This post is extremely hard to follow, man.

From what I gathered, you're being forced to remove Ubuntu and install Windows again, but instead of installing 7 like the computer came with, you're installing XP?
I have 2 questions for you;
1. Why not dual-boot Ubuntu & Windows?
2. Why are you formatting the partition as FAT? Use NTFS.

Also, is this a retail or OEM install disk you're using?

[ManyPearTree]

You should be using NTFS for the partition.

Edit: As Thor asked, why not use Windows 7?

[Silicate Wielder]

You should be using NTFS for the partition.

Edit: As Thor asked, why not use Windows 7?

I don't have a Windows 7 CD, and the windows XP disk can only install windows as a single operating system. but i do have a backup copy of ubuntu on my flashdrive that has my personal files (lost all unix gui/ theme modifications...)

[TheMatrix]

You want to use FAT as the hard drive file system...? :eek:
For Windoze, you will have to use NTFS, I'm afraid.

Out of curiosity -- why must you remove Linux?

[anonymous53]

Alright, first.

Check your BIOS settings. Windows XP does *not* configure properly with AHCI settings for Sata. Turn this to "Legacy IDE mode"

Next, install windows XP to an NTFS partition with 70% of your hard drive space. Leave the rest unformatted.

After this take Ubuntu and create the partitions for file system and swap space.


This will add the GRUB bootloader which will allow you to choose between Ubuntu and Windows XP.