Computer operating systems

[Ben82]

Hi guys, you lot are tech types and I've a problem with a win2003 installation at home. Quick question, what happens if I reinstall from a recovery session over existing.g install? Anything drastic?

2003? Server? If you mean the windows system restore, then it restores the windows state back to that point in time it was taken, non system files, eg documents, music etc are untouched. If you mean a restore disc that came with the computer then generally they reset the computer back to the state it was when you got it, ie without the documents music etc

[myglaren]

and run defrag before partitioning.

No need to defrag beforehand, repartitioning will essentially make the had appear as a clean slate (although it isn't), and the is will just write as there was nothing there. If you are resizing an existing partition down with for example the old partition magic then yes a defrag would help but pm used to take care of that for you to ensure the free space for the new partition was sequential.

It isn't for the free space Ben but to consolidate Windows files to minimise the possibility of corruption if the Windows partition is shrunk at all.

IIRC Windows XP, 7 and 8 have partitioning tools included.
Linux uses GParted and this comes with the download or purchased disc.

I have never bothered and never suffered as a result, it's just precautionary.

[myglaren]

No, not system restore ... system recovery console, option install windows, will it corrupt or repair? I'm not a tech type as you'll gather ...

If you are saying what I think you are it is a complete clean install of Windows from a recovery partition.

I have used it a few times and it was fine - you do lose all your saved files and installed programs though.

A couple of times the partition was corrupt. On those occasions the computers left here with Ubuntu on them as I won't install a pirate copy of Windows.
Recipients were more than happy.

[myglaren]

Unlikely to work if your bootloader is failing but try hitting F12 repeatedly while it is POSTing and you may just get a 'secret' recovery menu that will allow you to repair system files if possible and reinstall if not.

[Hell Razor5543]

IIRC the hidden menu on Windows is accessed by pressing F8. If it comes up, repair console could be available (but as I have not had to use it, I don't know what tools it has).

[myglaren]

F8 is just the boot menu James. There is another one - sometimes.

[Xaccers]

F8 is just the boot menu James. There is another one - sometimes.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/wind ... -safe-mode" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Citroening]

Don't you just love computers!

Been trying to install Ubuntu on the memory stick this evening...

All going well following these instructions, and I've done up to and including number 9 of "Put the installer on a memory stick".

The next part is the "Start the Ubuntu installer" which is where I'm stuck at..

Went into the BIOS (F2 with Windows 8) and changed the Boot Order to the USB first and then Windows Boot Manager, saved, and then rebooted. Also disabled the Fast BIOS Mode because it says that it should be disabled to boot from USB... Tried numerous times but just won't boot from the USB and still get Windows...

Any ideas much appreciated!

[myglaren]

What make is your computer Franklin?
I hit a similar problem with this one (ASUS). Changed the boot order in the BIOS and it had no effect.
Turned out that while POSTing you had to hit ESC with the device in the socket, then choose that device.

[Citroening]

Thought I just had it sussed then. Found this website here, which explained the way to restart and boot from USB through the Advanced Start up menu.

Didn't work though, started as per usual through Windows...

Edit - Steve, it's a Samsung Series 5 Laptop.

I'll try the ESC way...

[Xaccers]

Don't you just love computers!

Been trying to install Ubuntu on the memory stick this evening...

All going well following these instructions, and I've done up to and including number 9 of "Put the installer on a memory stick".

The next part is the "Start the Ubuntu installer" which is where I'm stuck at..

Went into the BIOS (F2 with Windows 8) and changed the Boot Order to the USB first and then Windows Boot Manager, saved, and then rebooted. Also disabled the Fast BIOS Mode because it says that it should be disabled to boot from USB... Tried numerous times but just won't boot from the USB and still get Windows...

Any ideas much appreciated!

Give up and pick a resonably decent OS like Windows 7?

If it's a brand new computer then it does use BIOS, it uses UEFI.
What make and model computer is it?

[myglaren]

Could be Xac. I thought mine did but was wrong on that count.
The UEFI thing is pretty much resolved now.

[Citroening]

The laugh is Xac that I've two Laptops running side by side - the ol' faithful for here and the Ubuntu Instructions and the other for trying to get it working!

Indeed, is brand new - make and model in above post to Steve.

[myglaren]

Actually, STOP right there Franklin.

You may kill your computer. Some Samsungs have a serious defect that is currently unresolved.

[Citroening]

Oohh, bugger!

Thanks for that Steve, that might have saved it...

I'll pop back into the BIOS and revert everything to how it was...