Removing Linux Partitions
Hey,
I am Debian user, and in the future will continue to be one. I have a laptop with nothing but Linux installed, but I now need Windows XP as well. So, my question is: how can I remove all the (Linux) partitions and create Windows partitions instead? I could easily use a boot disk and fdisk, but the problem is, I don't have a floppy drive to do this nor does the XP installation/system restoration disk have the ability to control partitions. Are there any really small (Linux) boot CDs that I could use to access a very minimal console or something so I could just recreate my partition tables? Thanks. Ps. This could be done within linux, but the thing is, I need to remove Linux entirely and install XP on the beginning of the HD. |
You should be able to delete & re-create partitions on
the running system. That said: there are HEAPS of little rescue-type distros for CD or USB stick out there. Even if there weren't, your debian install media will do just fine |
If you are looking to remove ALL of the Linux partitions to install Windows, then all you need to do is boot with the Windows CD and use its utility during installation time to remove all partitions (under Windows, they will show as “unknown”). Then create a partition using either the entire disk or a specified amount if you want to configure dual booting after Windows is installed.
For example, to configure an 80GB disk to dual boot, remove all “unknown” partitions during the Windows installation. Create a single 60GB NTFS partition for Windows leaving 20GB available for your choice of Linux. If you know the disk is in good condition, choose to do a quick format; otherwise, if you have any doubt about the disk, select full. |
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