I recently inherited a computer from my uncle that seems to exclusively run Linux/Ubuntu. I want to set up a Windows partition, but for some reason my Windows CD won't boot up like it should when I restart the machine and set the BIOS to boot from disc. Is there something special I need to do to make the disc run on this machine (it works on my other computer)? Is there a way to formate a separate NTFS partition in Linux so I can have Windows as well? I don't have a special need to run Windows, but it seems like if I have to ask these sorts of questions I'm probably not ready handle an exclusively Linux machine yet.

I've tried formatting the disk through the terminal as suggested by a different site (not allowed to post links yet), following the steps exactly, but when I reboot nothing seems to happen. Ideally I would just format the whole hard drive, because I have an Ubuntu live CD and would prefer a clean install anyway (there is a lot of stuff on here that I don't appear to need).

Formatting the drive has nothing to do with your pc not booting to the window disk. Are you sure the cd-rom is working? Do you have more than one cd-rom and if so are you sure the one your trying to use is the first in boot order? I think the first thing you need to do is get the cd-rom sorted out, then worry about setting up a partition for windows.

check whether the CD u r using is bootable..

As said, not being able to boot from CD has nothing to do with the fact that Linux is installed.
Try to boot from the Ubuntu live CD. If that also does not work, there's a good chance that the CD/DVD player has died. You can also try the CDs in other PCs to check if it's a CD issue or a player issue or a combination.

If you really want a dual boot, it's easiest to first install windows. During the windows install you can do the partitioning and leave space for Linux. Afterwards you can install Linux (most (if not all) distros will pickup the Windowes install and automatically add it to the boot menu).

Sounds like you have 2 problems here.
1)boot from CD
2)create/format a partition for Windows installation.

For #1, can you booot from a Linux live CD?
If yes, then the problem is with your Windows CD.
If no, then check your BIOS for the boot order, and or check your hardware/cables.

For #2, you have several choices.
You can boot from a Live CD (if #1 above works) and format the HD as I don't think Linux will allow you to format the Linux partition when mounted which would explain why it did not work for you.
Or you can try using a Linux partitioning tool like GParted/QParted/etc to resize the Linux partition and create/format a new ntfs partition for Windows to be installed in.
Be aware that if you install Windows (specifically XP) it will almost certainly grab the MBR from Linux, so you may not be able to directly boot to Linux anymore.
In this case you will need to boot from a Linux live CD to install a multi-boot for Linux and Windows.
Do a search for that on this forum.

Good luck.

Hi,
First question is what version of M$ Windows are you attempting to boot from cd?

Sure you can resize and partition your HDD to allow installation of the alternate OS, be it M$ Windows or another Linux. It is a lot easier to install the M$ Windows before any other OS but it can be done.

This link may help a bit.

http://apcmag.com/node/5162/