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Thread: Reinstalling Windows while keeping Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1545

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2012
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    Ubuntu 12.10 Quantal Quetzal

    Reinstalling Windows while keeping Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1545

    I've been using Ubuntu for a little while and when 12.10 came out I wiped everything on my hard drive and installed Ubuntu, thinking that I was done with Windows completely. The laptop originally came with Windows and it's possible to get it back in the BIOS, but in the process I will have to wipe my hard drive. Is there a way to avoid this?

  2. #2
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    Nov 2012
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    Re: Reinstalling Windows while keeping Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1545

    Simply no but you can move your stuff to a USB and Ubuntu will need a reinstall

  3. #3
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    Re: Reinstalling Windows while keeping Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1545

    Sadly not, windows is a PITA when it comes to this. Best option is to back up ubuntu and reinstall it.

  4. #4
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    Re: Reinstalling Windows while keeping Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1545

    Thanks guys, I was afraid so! Would anyone recommend using Wubi over a true dual boot?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
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    Re: Reinstalling Windows while keeping Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1545

    Quote Originally Posted by meijin3 View Post
    I've been using Ubuntu for a little while and when 12.10 came out I wiped everything on my hard drive and installed Ubuntu, thinking that I was done with Windows completely. The laptop originally came with Windows and it's possible to get it back in the BIOS, but in the process I will have to wipe my hard drive. Is there a way to avoid this?
    If you have installation media for Windows on disc, you can install Windows onto the drive and dual boot even if Linux was installed first. This is a good tutorial for doing so:
    http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_l...lled_first.htm

    However, if you don't have Windows ready to install your best option would be to back up at least your Home folder, where most important documents are stored. This is easily transferable to basically all Linux installations and is a good thing to have backed up anyway.

  6. #6
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    Re: Reinstalling Windows while keeping Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1545

    Quote Originally Posted by Mister08 View Post
    If you have installation media for Windows on disc, you can install Windows onto the drive and dual boot even if Linux was installed first. This is a good tutorial for doing so:
    http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_l...lled_first.htm

    However, if you don't have Windows ready to install your best option would be to back up at least your Home folder, where most important documents are stored. This is easily transferable to basically all Linux installations and is a good thing to have backed up anyway.
    This ^^

  7. #7
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    Re: Reinstalling Windows while keeping Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1545

    Quote Originally Posted by mips View Post
    This ^^
    +1. That. It is completely possible to install Windows second. You could probably use a Boot Repair CD to get it all up again after install.

    https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Boot-Repair

  8. #8
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    Re: Reinstalling Windows while keeping Ubuntu on my Inspiron 1545

    To Mister08, mips, and Bucky Ball: Thanks for these other suggestions! I will try giving them a shot when I have the chance!

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