How to Upgrade Linux to Windows XP
Since Linux operating systems use different file systems than Windows, the hard drive must be formatted with either FAT32 or NTFS before installing Windows XP. Fortunately, the Windows XP installation disk has a built-in partition manager that makes reformatting a Linux drive easy.
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Things You'll Need
- Windows XP CD
- Windows XP product key
- Hardware drivers
- Computer owner's manual
Instructions
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Back up important settings, passwords and files (reformatting will erase everything on the hard drive). Also, download and save the latest Windows XP drivers for your hardware and peripherals on a CD/DVD or a pen (flash) drive.
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Place the Windows XP installation disk into a CD/DVD drive, then shut down the computer. Reboot the computer, then enter the BIOS (usually by pressing "F1," "F2," "F10" or the "Delete" key) and make sure the system is set to boot from the CD/DVD drive first (refer to your computer owner's manual if necessary).
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Save your BIOS settings, then allow the Windows XP installation wizard to load (this usually takes several minutes). Click "Enter" when prompted, then click "F8" to accept the license agreement. Follow the prompts to enter the partition manager.
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Select the partition that contains the Linux operating system, then press "D" and "L" to delete it. Linux file systems like EXT3 and ReiserFS will show as "Unknown" in the Windows partition editor. Repeat this procedure to delete any other Linux or (unwanted) Windows partitions.
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Click on "Unpartitioned Space," then press "Enter" to create a new partition for Windows XP. Select the file system type and partition size when prompted. For best results, choose regular NTFS (not "Quick") and the default size (maximum). Continue until you have partitioned the entire drive.
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Click "OK," then follow the prompts to install Windows on the reformatted drive. Enter a username and password to set up a secure administrative account, and enter the Windows XP product key when prompted. Once the installation is finished, reboot the computer and log in to your new Windows XP operating system.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not have an authentic Microsoft product key, you will not be able to install Windows XP. Make sure your Windows XP installation disk and key are genuine before erasing Linux.
If you are upgrading the operating system on a laptop or notebook computer, make sure it is plugged into an electrical outlet to avoid power interruption during the process.
References
- Photo Credit Microsoft Corporation
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Comments
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The problem for many people is they are not familiar with Linux. Their friends all use MS Windows. The Linux folks think their systems are easy to use but much of the time it seems like you have to run command line strings to get stuff done. So, for the general public Windows is easier to use, in most cases.
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Who the heck wants to replace their OS with something 1720x inferior and proprietary when they already have the best OS of the world? The other way around is good, but not this way!
