[SOLVED] Removing Vista, but backing it up...

[tdrusk]

Can I copy all the windows files and save them to another disk, delete the partition, then if I want create a new partition, put the files on it, and boot into it?

Is it that simple?

Can I create a vista filesystem withing linux to do this.

[SOULRiDER]

Sure, just mount the hard drive with vista, and copy the files to some other partition

First make a directory where you want to mount the drive

sudo mkdir <location>

then, mount the drive, you will have to know the drive letter and the partition number though

sudo mount /dev/<drive> <location>

Good luck, if you need further assistance dont hesitate to ask either here or ove IRC.

EDIT: I just re-read your post. I highly doubt you will be able to boot to it.. but you can always try =/

[tdrusk]

Originally Posted by SOULRiDER Sure, just mount the hard drive with vista, and copy the files to some other partition First make a directory where you want to mount the drive sudo mkdir <location> then, mount the drive, you will have to know the drive letter and the partition number though sudo mount /dev/<drive> <location> Good luck, if you need further assistance dont hesitate to ask either here or ove IRC. EDIT: I just re-read your post. I highly doubt you will be able to boot to it.. but you can always try =/

Well basically I just want to save Vista since I paid for it.

[vexorian]

Did vista come in an OEM? then you don't really have to backup vista, you can just reinstall it later if you want. Unless you want your files in which it is good to keep the partition, isn't it?

[tdrusk]

Originally Posted by vexorian Did vista come in an OEM? then you don't really have to backup vista, you can just reinstall it later if you want. Unless you want your files in which it is good to keep the partition, isn't it?

It came preloaded on my computer without a reinstall cd.

[por100pre1]

Originally Posted by fuzzyhair It came preloaded on my computer without a reinstall cd.

Didn't it come with a partition with the Vista install files neither?

[bluemarvel]

Originally Posted by fuzzyhair Well basically I just want to save Vista since I paid for it.

If Vista came as an OEM install, you'll probably have to boot into Vista and then run the "make backup install disks" shortcut buried somewhere in your Start menu. Most computer manufacturers don't include install disks.

I don't believe you can reliably backup a Windows installation by simply copying files and then hope to restore it unless you make a disk image and do it that way.

[tdrusk]

Originally Posted by bluemarvel If Vista came as an OEM install, you'll probably have to boot into Vista and then run the "make backup install disks" shortcut buried somewhere in your Start menu. Most computer manufacturers don't include install disks. I don't believe you can reliably backup a Windows installation by simply copying files and then hope to restore it unless you make a disk image and do it that way.

How can I do that?

[armandh]

back in the 98se days you could move to a larger drive and boot with
xcopy C:\ F:\ /h/e/c/k/r but I have not been too successfull with it since.
xp came with the files and/or settings copy utility, but one still had to install the operating system and apps. [safer as all the corupt junk from generations of upgrading stayed behind] better, one could try to put all the files of a xp partition on to a dos 32 bit partition that ubuntu can access easly [let's call it old home] then if [if that works]you delete the xp partition you still have all the files.

[Sbarton]

Just sometimes it's worth taking the existing drive out (therefore keeping Vista intact) and installing another drive and installingUbuntu.
regards