The only problems I hear from forums are how GRUB gets deleted and Windows cant be bootable. I understand that GRUB in a boot loader, but isnt it just for Linux OS's? Or does GRUB affect Windows to? And if so, how can I install Windows XP through the installation disk without affecting Grub? I'm just not completley shure exactley what GRUB is maybe??
By the way, I'm NOT dual booting! I only have one partition and want to install windows without any dam problems…
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5 responses so far ↓
1 empormike // Jun 25, 2008
If you are going to completely uninstall Ubuntu and install Windows XP, you can install Windows by completely formatting the drive in the installation CD and it will install perfect.
2 OZ // Jun 25, 2008
When you install XP delete all of the partition(s) then reset the partition then format and install xp. There will be instructions when you first start installing. After you delete the partitions it doesnt see any of the data anymore.
3 chook7367 // Jun 25, 2008
Your Windows XP installation disk should ask you if you want to reformat the hard drive click"yes" or "reformat" depending on your system.Make sure you choose the NTFS option as it will run the hdd much faster.When you reformat the hard drive all instances of linux and grub will be removed anyway so no problem there.
4 wuticrtih // Jun 25, 2008
GRUB is installed on your master boot record (MBR) and allows you to select which operating system you want to boot when you turn on your computer. Just deleting the Ubuntu partition will not work if you also have the GRUB loader installed, and GRUB will not let you start Windows if it can't find the Ubuntu partition that was there on the last boot. If when you boot you see some message like "GRUB 1.5 Loading" and you have to select which OS you want to boot, then you have GRUB installed. GRUB should only be installed if you are dual booting; that is its purpose.
The first step is to remove the GRUB loader (if installed) by using your Windows install disk to rewrite the MBR. You can use these instructions: http://askbobrankin.com/fix_mbr.html
After reinstalling the MBR, you can delete your Ubuntu partition. This can be done by any partition manager; the Ubuntu LiveCD even includes one called GParted (under System > Administration > Partition Editor). Once the partition is deleted, you can enlarge your Windows partition or leave the space unallocated.
You mentioned you only have one partition, so this makes me think you only have Ubuntu installed? In this case, you probably don't have the GRUB loader installed and can just install XP over the current Ubuntu partition.
If you were looking to just install XP fresh, even if you had a dual boot machine, this would be okay. Just install XP on your old XP partition. This would rewrite your MBR, removing the GRUB loader. The Ubuntu partition would still exist, but this could be removed at a later date with a partition manager.
Hope this helps! I am a 100% Ubuntu user.
5 Gods little helper // Jun 25, 2008
If you want 2 OSs on 1 partition you have to have a software like MS Virtual PC or VMWare or something that creates a Virtual Machine.
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