Hi guys.

Basically I brought a new netbook a few weeks back. I thought I would try a linux based operating system, namelu linpus linux lite. I like the interface, but I am hindered by the lack of incompatability that was not an issue with my old one.

Anyway, I need to change my operating system to windows XP now. I know it can be done, because one of my lecturers has the same netbook and he dual boots it with windows XP. But I haven't got a clue and I am not in uni next week to ask him.

Ao basically, can anyone help me with changing my operating system?

Do you want...

A) Windows-only machine

B) Linux and Windows using a dual-boot setup


A) This is easy. Just pick up an XP disc, format the computer, and reinstall WinXP.

B) This isn't bad, but things can easily go wrong if you don't know what you're doing...

Just a windows only machine.

I use a netbook, so it does not have an optical drive, so I'm afraid that a windows disc wont work. However, I have downloaded some boot files onto a USB stick. This should work more or less the same shouldn't it?

You can either use an external USB optical drive or you could 'slipstream it' onto your netbook. 1st is easier, and the 2nd I only know about in name.

What was the precise incompatibility? Maybe I can find you a workaround or alternative.

Well, it is a couple of things. I have Linpus Linux lite. It has a very easy to use interface, but you are restricted in what you can do. My first problem was with the thesaurus in openoffice, it doesn't work. I went onto the internet and looked at a few forums and managed to make it work in the end. That was the last time I installed anything onto my netbook. I have not been able to do much since then as this particular operating system was designed to be as it is, with no way to install additional software that is easy.

Anyway, today I brought a bluetooth mouse, It didn't work so I read the instruction and it said 'only compatable with windows' etc... That's when I thought that this is what this particular operating system is going to be like forever. I decided that I have to change it to something I know quite well.

edit: Maybe ubuntu is what I need, just left a post about it.

Maybe Soleron can help you with your incompatability. He knows a lot about linux.

Otherwise, you need to buy a license for Windows XP. Windows XP will come with the license sticker and a boot disk. You will also need a USB optical drive to put the boot disk in. After that, boot from the disk and delete the linux partition. You will then be able to create a new partition and put Windows on it.

I don't know about the whole slipstream thing. Some operating systems let you install using a usb flash drive. As far as I know, Windows XP is not one of those operating systems.

Yea, I would just follow words of wisdom advice. Just save all your data you don't want erased to an usb drive then format your computer. Next you just need a XP disc.

oooh, actually, Soleron, maybe Ubuntu would be up my street, I like ubuntu.

how would I go about installing Ubuntu lite?

If XP would work, then standard Ubuntu should work too. Failing that, Xubuntu. What is the model of the netbook, so I can look at the specs?

What you would do is burn an Ubuntu LiveCD using the standard disk image, boot that up from the CD, and then use the "Live USB Creator" tool on Ubuntu itself which will make a USB stick into an Ubuntu installer. Then you use that to install it on the netbook.

I'll help you via PM with any setup or whatever, if you want.