Recently, my computer's Windows XP OS setup became corrupt, and I just have a repair disk. Today I downloaded both the text-based and the GUI-based install files of Ubuntu Linux thinking that the new OS would just delete XP and get on with things. Didn't even read the disks. I'm having the good old "NTOSKRNL.EXE is missing or corrupt" message on startup. I don't want XP on my old computer, I just want linux. Does anyone know how to remove Windows XP without using Safemode? Even that won't open, and I don't have the money for a new HDD(Or windows) so that's not an option. The HDD itself is fine other than being stuck with a corrupt OS. Help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Josh.

I've tried booting from CD's. I tried installing linux but for some reason it won't delete XP. XP is corrupted so I can't use things like FDISK and DBAN... I think I'll have to drop all my birthday plans and ask for a harddrive. The only extra one I got is an old 10gig IDE laptop drive, and I think it's dead.

Are there any 'more' specific instructions on how to install linux on the internet? I just keep finding websites that say 'follow the on-screen directions', but those directions are a series of jumbled letters with a Yes/No choice.

The installer doesn't even open. Windows doesn't open. I'm trying to install from 'emergency' command prompt. I just tried my sister's old harddrive but it's dead.

Edit: I have to give up. I switched back to my old hard drive and it still won't power up. I think my sister's hard drive shorted something in the tower... *fumes*

(Power is working again)

I've tried that. I've set it to my main cd-drive, put the disk in (It's burned, set to be 'bootable'), and when i turn on the comp it immediately goes to freeDOS. I'd have already wiped the drive if I could get around that part. I feel stupid now for not telling you guys since it probably would've made things a bit easier.

Is there any command that you can use to reformat from freeDOS?

Edit: (No advanced bios features)

And... In case it helps...

Emachines t2890 Celeron

Previous messages deleted.

Woot! I burned it correctly this time, and the install went smoothly. Thanks guys! We're up and running, but first boot was a bit slow. No biggy

Thanks again!

Edit(#1,000,000)

/sigh. I finished installing, but it boots soooooo sloooooooow... I turned on the comp literally 10 minutes ago, and it's still on a black screen. I don't want to turn it off and start the long boot all over again...

Edit again:

OK, it just won't boot. I watched a few videos on how this distro and version should boot. My comp will do the 'Ubuntu' screen with the load bar, but when the load bar fills the screen just goes black rather than showing a login. I DID set things correctly. Would non compatible hardware get in the way? I DO have a RADEON 9250 PCI card in this tower. I've heard ATi doesn't do well in linux.

Last edit:

Thanks guys. You´ve been a great help. This post was made on a comp with linux. :3
Only problem is it seems to hate apostrophes... And I absolutely hate firefox. In my experience, itś just junk.