[ubuntu-uk] mbr

[Barry Drake]

On 28/01/12 16:34, Colin Law wrote:
>  To install an OS it is not necessary to boot from hdd, boot from
>  either linux or windows CD/DVD. If you make the disk completely blank
>  as you originally asked it will not be able to boot from the hdd as it
>  will be blank. Colin

I understand the problem.  Windows (any version) refuses to install
unless you try to install to a drive with a valid boot record.
Reformatting using gparted makes this impossible for Windows.  I get
around it by using clonezilla to clone the mbr from another drive onto
the drive that gparted has blanked and re-formatted to NTFS.  Windows
will then install OK.  For some reason known only to Microsoft (must be
a commercial consideration therefore) reformatting the drive under the
Windows installer will not overcome the problem.

Ah well, twas ever thus ....

Regards,        Barry.

-- 
 From Barry Drake (The Revd) Health and Healing advisor to the East
Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church.  See
http://www.urc5.org.uk/index for information about the synod, and
http://www.urc5.org.uk/?q=node/703 for the Synod Healing pages.

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