How to Erase a Linux Hard Drive to Put Microsoft on it

All versions of Linux use different file systems than Microsoft Windows. Hard drives formatted with a Linux file system like Ext3 or ReiserFS cannot be used to install Windows unless the entire drive (or a partition on it) is formatted with either the FAT 32 or NTFS file system. Follow these steps to erase a Linux hard drive and format it so that a Windows operating system can be installed on it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Windows CD/DVD
• Authentic Windows product key
• Hardware drivers
• Computer owner's manual

1. Back up your data. Reformatting a Linux partition will completely erase everything on the drive. Also, make sure you have the original Window's drivers for your computer hardware. Microsoft Vista in particular has driver compatibility issues with some printers and other external devices.

2. Place the Windows CD/DVD into the optical drive then shut down the computer. Reboot the computer and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing "F1," "F2," "F10," or the "Delete" key). Make sure your computer is set to boot from the optical drive (refer to your owner's manual if necessary).

3. Save your BIOS settings and allow the system to restart. In Windows XP for example, allow the installation wizard to load, click "Enter," then "F8" to accept the license agreement. The installation wizard usually takes several minutes to load.

4. Select a partition in the formatting window then hit the "D" key and then the "L" key to delete it. Repeat this procedure until all of the partitions are deleted. Linux partitions will show as "Unknown" and Windows partitions will show as either "FAT32" or "NTFS."

5. Click on "Unpartitioned Space," then press "Enter" to create a new partition. Select your desired file system and partition size when prompted. Use NTFS only if you don't plan to install Linux at a later date. Use FAT32 if you plan to dual-boot both Linux and Windows. Continue until you have partitioned the entire drive.

6. Click "OK" then follow the prompts to install Windows on the newly partitioned drive. When prompted, enter a user name and password to set up a secure administrative account. Select time zone and network preferences then enter the product key when prompted. If you decide not to install Windows at this time, press "F3" to abort the installation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have an authentic Microsoft product key you will not be able to install Windows. Make sure your Windows operating disk and key are genuine before erasing Linux.

[univiction]

on 9/27/2009 BUT, it would still NOT be immune to the MILLION Microsoft Virus/malware-adbots/spybots/backdoors/Exploits!!!

Going back 9 years from Linux is like trading in the family car for a horse and buggy!

Insert LinuxMint CDrom, and boot the computer. Google "Linux Mint" for YOUR FREE DL!

Boot Linux Mint, play with the Live OS, and then click on the INSTALL icon.

No drivers needed, as all are included, although, there are a couple Binary driver files on the ATI and nVidia graphics card websites.

Totally immune to ALL Microsoft crapware, paid pop-ups, and all the Microsoft Virus'!

BTW, Linux is a concurrent running, parallel processing, multi-tasking and multi-user OSes. Very FAST, as ALL processes continually run! Plenty of USER choices, with over 28,000 FREE programs.

Microsoft "Windows" are ALL consecutive processing, single tasking, ( S L O W !) OSes. Microsoft runs all internet ...