Linux forum: How to format used Centos 5.5 system?

So how would I install, for example Ubuntu, over this CentOS system?

Would I be able to burn it on a CD, insert the CD on startup and hence overwrite the CentOS installation?

That's how to install any OS, in fact.

I find Ubuntu too big to fit on a CD (although it should fit on a 700 MB one). But it works fine if you burn to DVD. Not a problem for most laptops.

Kees

It says on the Ubuntu website that Ubuntu desktop can be burned to a DVD and installed to either replace Windows or Mac OS or run alongside them, are you sure this would be the same case with the CentOS system?

Also the laptop I am using for this is an Optima Centoris G200 , which looks a bit old to me, would the latest version of Ubuntu be compatible with this machine?

One last thing, so all I have to do is just download Ubuntu desktop (should I download the 64 bit or 32 bit version?), burn it to dvd, and then insert it into the laptop as I start the CentOS and just follow onscreen instructions from there?

Use the 32-bit version and do as you described. It might ask if you want to install it in the current partition (if it finds it OK), and/or let you delete it and create a new one all to its own wishes.

Kees

I tried using a windows Xp SP3 CD to install onto the system but it still booted the CentOs system and onto the hpsn login prompt of which I do not know the details.

The same happened when I had tried the Ubuntu 12.10 DVD, it just ignores the CD/DVD and doesn't give me a chance to install a different operating system, any ideas?

You look at the CD by testing if it boots elsewhere. I find new to this folk continue to place the .ISO file on the CD/DVD rather than create a CD from the ISO (yes those are two different procedures.)

Once you know the CD is good then you look at the PC. Old CD/DVD drives often lose that boot capability. Smile as they ask how to fix an old CD Drive.
Bob

Well, I had downloaded the ubuntu 12.10 desktop iso file and burned it to a DVD disc, when I try to boot my fairly modern laptop (I had bought it only a couple of years ago and it runs Windows 7) with this DVD disc it does the same thing, it just starts windows 7 & and ignores it.

Wouldn't a modern laptop have the capability to boot of a CD/DVD?

Since this didn't work on my modern laptop, I think burning the Ubuntu 12.10 iso file to a DVD disc was not the correct procedure, so do I have to create the DVD from the iso file? If so how do I do that?

Did you do it in the way they suggest on http://www.ubuntu.com/download/help/burn-a-dvd-on-windows

If still no luck, check on another PC. If it works there, either your PC isn't set to boot from CD (check in the BIOS) or the drive is defective (replace the drive then).

Kees

Well, I burned the DVD in the way suggested on ubuntu.com, and this time when I put in the DVD at startup it comes up with icons ( looks like a keyboard and a man in the star formation).

If I don't press a key before these icons disappear, then the ubuntu menu does not come up. When I do press a key in time, the menu shows the ubuntu logo and several options.

The options in the menu shown include:

Try Ubuntu without installing

Install Ubuntu

Check disc for defects

Test memory

Boot from first hard disk


When I select "Install Ubuntu" it brings me to a black screen with an insertion point at the top left, and nothing happens after that, even when I press random keys on the keyboard.

The same happened when I selected the option "Check disc for defects".

Why is this happening? What am I doing wrong?