Ubuntu
yelp package

uninstall ubuntu

Asked by muffin0176

I need to uninstall ubuntu from my father's computer. It is just too difficult for him. I need to put a clean install of Windows XP. I'm having numerous problems with this, and it's turning into a nightmare. What do I need to do to get Ubuntu off of his computer and put windows xp on?

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Sam_ (and-sam) said : 		#1

This should help.
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/52840

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RodGer (rodger) said : 		#2

Since you want a clean install of windows xp, you can just insert a windows xp installation cd reformat the disk and install xp. No need to uninstall ubuntu. It will just be erased. Please make sure you backup any important files stored on the computer.

I would suggest though, to try if some other ubuntu version (e.g. try ubuntu 9.10 if you tried an older version) or an other ubuntu flavor (e.g. Kubuntu) fits your requirements. Remember also to check the upcoming ubuntu versions as ubuntu becomes more and more user friendly.

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muffin0176 (muffin0176) said : 		#3

Thank you. However, it won't install from the installation cd. I upgraded to ubuntu 9.10 already and that won't work either. I've also tried to use wubi, and I've tried to delete partitions. I can't figure this out. Why is ubuntu so hard to remove? After looking around, it seems as if this is a problem for many people. It's very frustrating. Thank you for your help. It's greatly appreciated.

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RodGer (rodger) said : 		#4

Maybe it's not that Ubuntu is hard to remove but that windows is hard to install. Normally, you never have to un-install an operating system. You just delete it from a partition when you format it. After this you can just install an other O.S. and also install another bootloader on the MBR. Do you have an authentic windows xp cd? Are you sure that the certain cd has the appropriate drivers. Maybe it is for a different architecture (e.g. the cd is for 64bit while you pc is i386). Have you tested the same cd on another computer. Are you sure that if is not just a recovery cd from another computer? There can be a bunch of different possible reasons for you problem but it's pretty risky trying to guess since there is not enough information.

In any case you can give the errors you get or describe precisely the problems you have while you try to install windows. If I have some time, I'll try to guide you. But, I need more information.

Of course, this is not an ubuntu problem. Ubuntu (and generally Linux) has done everything possible to be compatible with all the other system. It is Micro$oft and Apple that behave like there is no other kind of software. In contrary, you can find many linuxers that would happily help you on a windows problem like this one.

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muffin0176 (muffin0176) said : 		#5

Thank you for the info. It helps. I have Ubuntu on my laptop and am happy with it so far. It's a little hard for me to learn, but I'm trying. My dad's laptop was the one with the problem and nothing that was suggested by anyone worked. So, he took it to Geek Squad and they had to use Acronis to get it off. Now he can use his original recovery cd from asus to put windows on. Problem solved. Really appreciate your help and the info. Take care.