I want to change my PC's Operating System, Do I have to erase the actual one? How do I do it?

What you need to do to install a new OS depends on the new operating system's installation program. Here's a way to do it without erasing anything.



If you add Linux from a Live CD, all you do is boot the CD and follow %26quot;install to hard drive%26quot; instructions. You can also dual- or multi-boot several operating systems. To do that, you resize existing and create new partitions - which Linux will do for you without destroying existing data - provided you've run Windows' %26quot;scan disk%26quot; option to fix any file structure problems first.



References and links to get it done (including a free ISO-burning program to make your bootable Live Linux CD):



PCLOS Live CD of Linux (full version):

http://getpclinuxos.com/KDE/



ImgBurn [CD/DVD checking and ISO burning]:

http://imgburn.com



How to dual boot [based on PCLOS 2007 and Windows]:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2147183_add-linu



If you've followed the Dual-Boot instructions, you'll now have Windows and Linux installed. If you now want a third or fourth OS - like other versions of Windows - you can use that same Linux partition editor to create the room - but Windows being Windows, each Microsoft install will douche the multi-boot menu - but just repeat your Linux install to recover the multi-boot menu named GRUB [Grand Unified Boot].



Since this behavior by Microsoft is predictable, it's easiest to repartition for all OS installs, install all versions of Windows to their prepared partitions, then install Linux - which will detect each Windows partition and give a boot option for it in GRUB.



BTW, Vista has been caught with an update that won't apply if any multi-boot program replaces its own MBR. In that case - from a DOS prompt in Vista - do %26quot;format c: /mbr%26quot;, do the update, then do the GRUB recovery steps below- which you can use whenever.



To tell GRUB to recover for you, booting the Live CD or any GRUB-enabled Linux, log on as root, and open the terminal (which is like a DOS prompt in Windows). The prompt you see on each line will be %26quot;%26quot; or %26quot;grub %26gt; %26quot;. You then type the rest and push ENTER.



/sbin/grub

grub %26gt; find /boot/grub/stage1

[%26quot;(hd0,2)%26quot; appears, or something similar]

grub %26gt; root (hd0,2)

grub %26gt; setup (hd0)

grub %26gt; quit

exit



Next time you reboot, you'll have the GRUB menu back - instead of just starting the latest version of Windows that you installed. You can edit the Grub menu from Linux so it lists all the OS's you choose to install - or just reinstall Linux, which will do it all for you automatically.



If you use Windows on the Internet, protect yourself! You can use these free tools: AVG Free, SpyBot, Spyware Blaster, and Zone Alarm Free. Then spend your several hours per week keeping data current and scanning for malware problems.



This particular old computer has seven operating systems - including the original Windows ME upgraded to XP. Windows is seldom or never used on the Internet here - too much work with security updates and third-party protection programs and - after all that - still risky compared to plain Linux!



Good luck!I want to change my PC%26039;s Operating System, Do I have to erase the actual one? How do I do it?
Repost this question. There is not enough info. Basically, if you are upgrading your OS, like from Win98 to XP, then no, you do not need to wipe your HD. However, if you are downgrading or completely changing your OS, then chances are, you will have to reformat and repartition you HD.



Give me some more info, and I will be able to help you!!!I want to change my PC%26039;s Operating System, Do I have to erase the actual one? How do I do it?
Yes you will have to erase. OK HERE WE GO put in your new OS disks and boot to the CD when you get to the point where they ask you to select your drives select your harddrive and then when it asks you to format your drive do it with NFTS either quick or normal format will do. then your old OS is gone and now that is where your new OS will go.



I really hope your not giving up XP for Vista but if you are good luck.



If you have any questions let me know and if you do tell me what OS you are trying to switch out.I want to change my PC%26039;s Operating System, Do I have to erase the actual one? How do I do it?
Any installation of a new operating system has the option to re-format your hard drive. This will erase your current one. Other than that, if you install another operating system with the current one installed, you will have two operating systems.



I suggest you backup your data files first before doing anything to your operating system.

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