Cannot remove Ubuntu 12.10 (64 bit)

[Pavonis]

After spending a couple of days trying to install a 64 bit system, I discovered that some proprietary software I must use only works in 32 bit Ubuntu. So I have to downgrade.

But after 64-bit 12.10 Ubuntu was installed, the computer no longer detects the USB or the DVD drive in the boot manager! Arggh!!! It had been working when I had Windows, a broken 12.04, and no OS at all. I have a HP Pavilion dm1 laptop.

It's okay if my computer is completely wiped clean and all data lost. I just need a 32-bit install.

[oldfred]

Do you have to do what this user did?

http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20121126#qa

In short, to get to the point where we can attempt to boot an alternative operating system we need to know our way through six steps:

• Boot machine while pressing F10
• Find Secure Boot in the menu tree, ignore warnings
• Disable Secure Boot feature
• Enable legacy boot options
• Enable specific legacy devices, such as USB devices
• Save and reboot while holding down F9

Also in UEFI/BIOS you have to disable fast boot or quick boot that seems to turn off access to any other device to make boot faster. But then you only can boot Windows.

[Pavonis]

Thank you.

Merely enabling legacy boot is looking very promising...

[Pavonis]

Okay, I enabled legacy support and then F9ed to a boot manager with my external drive. Now the 32-bit system is installing .

[mlentink]

I have a HP Pavilion dm1 laptop.

Me too. But I've never been able to find the DVD-drive on mine...