Re-Installing Windows in a laptop

[kc5dlo]

I have a Dell Vostro 1000 laptop. It was getting buggy and running slow and I was wanting to try Ubuntu so I loaded it and got it running but could not get the wifi to work at all. It then dawned on me that one of my primary uses for this computer was using Microsoft streets and Trips. It looks like that program wont work with Linux anyway so I attempted to reload Windows Vista. The Ubuntu install reformatted to something that my windows install disk did not recognize.
I need to reformat the dive and set up partitions but the option is not available thru the install disk ( the format link shows up but is grayed out and not clickable ). It does say something about loading drivers but I don't have a clue which ones or how.
This is my project for the weekend, any advise will be greatly appreciated.

 

[newbury]

Reformat with Linux in a format acceptable to Windoze.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Use this as an opportunity to dump Vista.

 

[Sysop]

Windows wasn't made to use Linux file systems, that is why the GUI aspects of Windows do not work with it. The underlying tools within Windows are able to remove these Linux partitions and files systems though. You just need to get to the command prompt and use the proper tool. When you boot to the windows disc, go into the recovery console where you can get to a command prompt.

At the command prompt type:
diskpart
^^ and press enter...

Once in diskpart, type:
select disk 0
^^ and press enter

Then type:
clean
^^ and press enter

Then type:
exit
^^ and press enter

You are complete in removing all old partitions and putting the drive in a "like new" state. Reboot and run setup normally and Windows will detect the disk as unallocated and be able to utilize all of the space the drive has to offer.

 

[MossRoad]

If you still have a valid recovery partition try that first....

CTRL-F11 on powerup. If Vista was factory installed, F8 before WIndows loads. Choose Repair, then Restore.

However, if you installed linux and wiped that partition, you're out of luck.

 

[aczlan]

I need to reformat the dive and set up partitions but the option is not available thru the install disk ( the format link shows up but is grayed out and not clickable ).

Does it have the option to delete the partition? Being as its not a Windows partition, you can't format it, but you should be able to delete the partition(s) and create a new NTFS partition.

Aaron Z

 

[/pine]

A couple of things....if the MBR has been modified the recovery partition will not be accessible even if it still exists...

There is a plethora of bootable recovery disks that will allow you to remove the partitions (3) that Linux creates...possibly even the Ubuntu disk...see what utilities are loaded on the "live" (booted but not installed) CD/DVD version...

If you're still interested in Linux...you can install WINE that will allow you to run software that was written for Windows...and just curious...were you able to find a Linux driver for the integrated wireless adapter and just not be able to install it or could you not find a driver?

 

[MossRoad]

Wonder if the O.P. got knocked off-line, too?

 

[kc5dlo]

I gave up and paid to have it reinstalled. Only cost 35.00 and my headache went away instantly. Still want to try Linux someday and I do have a spare laptop.
Thanks for the help, I feel I let y'all down though by giving up.

 

[MossRoad]

You know a good bottle of aspirin is $10.00 so $35 ain't so bad to have someone else get rid of the headache! :laughing:

In all reality, if you value your time, $35 is a bargain. :thumbsup: