Ubuntu
ubiquity package

New to Ubuntu

Asked by ron eccles

My laptop HDD has been killed by a virus. I am going to install a new HDD and would like to stay away from Windows. I do not have an Operating System that I can install. Is it possible to install Ubuntu without a system already installed. I am thinking that the cd drive will not run if there is no system to run it.
Any advice will be helpfull.

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ron eccles
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GeorgeVita (8-launchpad-mhnyma-com) said : 		#1

Most PCs can boot from CD or USB stick, possibly you must check BIOS settings regarding "boot device order".
To enter BIOS setup press the appropriate Fx (function key) for your system (usually F2 of F10).
After power up (while booting) insert a LiveCD or a bootable USB stick (must be created using another PC) and wait to boot. If this did not work at first time (possibly due to timing) press the reset button to retry.

Regards,
George

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ron eccles (ron-eccles) said : 		#2

You can do this without an Operating system already installed then, is that right?
Thanks for you reply.

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arochester (arochester) said : 		#3

Yes, you can install when there is no OS on the computer.

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ron eccles (ron-eccles) said : 		#4

Great, thanks very much. Is it possible for you to step me through the installation if I download Ubuntu to cd, and will I have to download all the drivers required for the internals, or will they still be there when and if I can format my corrupted HDD

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GeorgeVita (8-launchpad-mhnyma-com) said : 		#5

Yes, booting from the CD you can "test" Ubuntu and/or install it to your HD.
The install procedure will help you for the Installation.
G

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GeorgeVita (8-launchpad-mhnyma-com) said : 		#6

Check also information at http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download
Step #4 "Install it", click the "Show me how" button.
G

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ron eccles (ron-eccles) said : 		#7

Thanks for all your answers. Has anybody any idea how to access my laptop now the virus has got a hold? It will not start in Safe Mode, however it will start normally but when I click on any icon to open a program, it just freezes. When I looked at System to see how full the C & D drives were, the D drive Pie wheel showed all blue, ie no space, non available. This I presume was already fully corrupted and the virus has since started on the C drive. Now, what is the best way of wiping my HDD that I cannot access, or is it better to buy a new one and start again with Ubuntu.
Sorry to be a pain with all these questions.
Thanks
Ron

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GeorgeVita (8-launchpad-mhnyma-com) said : 		#8

One idea is to try a "Restore to previous point/state" (with a date older than a week) and then a "windows/microsoft update". If you manage it, run a disk defragment (C and D) and proceed to the Ubuntu installation "Side by Side" with windows. After finalizing the installation you will have a dual boot system with a "boot manager" with some options to select the desired OS.

Alternatively you can "wipe out" all disk via Ubuntu installation procedure (single OS).

As this will be your "first time to Ubuntu" I propose to choose the dual boot.

NOTE: you can use Ubuntu LiveCD to access the HD and copy any valuable data to a USB memory stick or a CD/DVD (if you have a 2nd optical drive). Search internet for some examples on this.

G

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ron eccles (ron-eccles) said : 		#9

Hi George Vita.
Unfortunately my laptop is virtually unusable as I cannot start in Safe Mode or normally. However I have not tried entering via BIOS. Is this possible. Maybe easier to but a new HDD.
Ron

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ron eccles (ron-eccles) said : 		#10

Thanks everyone. I have managed to format the hard drive and re install software. Seems to be OK up to now.