Formatting Windows, With Linux Installed

Hey everyone, I posted about this on some linux forums, but I came here for some additional help from windows experts. I wanted to reformat windows xp home, however, I currently have a dual boot configuration with linux. I dont want to ***** up the bootloader, so I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions. A few things I want to add are that I do not have the complete Windows disk, but rather the recovery disk that came with my computer, so I will not be able to completely re-install windows. Another thing that I was told is that you can reformat windows through linux, and was wondering if you guys knew anything about this. Thanks for all the help guys!

 

Without a 'retail' Windows disk I think you are going to have a problem. Unless your OEM disk allows a *repair install*, recovery disks usually wipe the hard drive clean. As far as Linux... there are partitioning tools available that would allow you to format a partition (or whole drive) but you would have to run the Windows installation program outside of Linux.
Is there a reason you need to reinstall Windows? It might be easier to correct a problem (if you have a specific problem) than to do a reinstall. If you just want to reinstall to Windows to *freshen* your OS, I think it would be more hassle than it's worth (but that's just my opinion). Hope this helps.

B

 

I am going to do it in order to freshen windows. I usually reformat ever 2-3 months, but I have never done it with linux installed. I do it because I am a big gamer, and if you are one yourself, you know that we are constantly downloading and deleting all kinds of garbage (ie. map packs, betas, demos, etc.). That is why I like to format, and personally it is a hastle I like to endure. Thanks for your help!

 

If you reinstall windows, the MBR will always be overwriten. If you choose the right partition windows will install without any problems but you won't be able to dual boot. To get your bootloader back (I guess lilo or grub) you need a linux bootfloppy (create it from your current distro). Reinstall windows as usual and use the floppy to boot back to linux. Reinstall the bootloader from linux and your good to go....
Happy gaming Tux