How could I install Windows Vista over Linux Mint?

Question

Here we go....
I have a laptop which used to have Windows 8, but something happened, I don't know what, but it failed to start up. I installed Linux Mint as a temporary replacement so I could install Windows Vista.

Upon attempting to install Windows Vista, I get the following result.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n579/flymouse3/Screenshotfrom2013-06-20172208_zpsefceccc5.png

I searched for a solution for this problem on the Internet. From what I've read, I need to install GRUB and un-hide the partition. I'm not sure how to do this, and what I've found says I open Terminal, then type grub. Once I do that, I'm to enter something such as "unhide (hd0,0)." When I do so, I'm given the following error: http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n579/flymouse3/w00t_zps894617ac.png

Can somebody please help me with unhiding my partition? I have absolutely no idea what to do, and I know next to nothing about using Linux.

Answer 1

You want to install Vista? Are you completely off your head? If you MUST remove Mint (which by the way is the best modern operating system distro, 30,000 free programs come with it, do you WANT to go back to paying for every little program?), at least install Win 7 which is light-years better (faster, lighter, more trustworthy) than that fat ugly pig Vista.

Answer 2

You will need to put your Linux Mint disk back in and boot from that- once Mint is running- go to disk utility or gparted - and delete the partition with Mint installed- then format that drive for windows (maybe fat 32 or nfts..I can not remember)- then shutdown and remove mint disk.

Put your Vista disk in and boot it up and it will install.



But wait a moment..........



Why not try Zorin 6.2? It is a Linux much like Ubuntu or Mint- but- it has a desktop switcher on it so you can choose the look of Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Linux Gnome. Its easy to do- just click on the switcher- select the look you want and click on it- all done.

If you select the Vista look- you will actually be running a Linux OS, but it will look like and work like Windows Vista. Another plus here is that you do not need to delete the Mint and format the drive- the Zorin will install right over the mint.

Of course- you will have to download the Zorin Iso file and burn it to a disk like you did with Mint......If you like Windows...You will love Zorin.

Answer 3

In your startup make sure you boot to a disc with vista oneg a DVD drive

Stick in your windows disk and boot to that

Delete any partitions and let the windows installer have all the disc

You lose everything on your disk although by the sounds of it you are probably pastthat



Why you would dream of going back to vista from win 8 is a mystery

But up to you