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I need to format a drive containing an old install of Ubuntu 10.04, to install Vista (not my idea!) Vista setup apparently refuses to format non-FAT32 or NTFS partitions. However, I can't seem to format it from my live CD (Ubuntu 11.04) at all; I keep getting "device is busy" errors. What is the simplest way to format this drive?

htorque
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Thomas O
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2 Answers2

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From a live session start Gparted Partition Editor from System -> Administration:

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Choose the drive you need to re-partition or format from the top right. Then select your partition (in this case /dev/sda1). By right click on the partition a menu pops up that lets you choose to Delete or Format this partition.

Partitions need to be unmounted before changing them

In case you install another OS it may be sufficient to just delete all partitions leaving the drive unpartitioned. Partitoning and formatting will then be done by the new OS's installer.

We have to keep in mind that private data on that drive will still be recoverable after deleting or reformatting partitions.

Takkat
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The simplest way, I would argue, is to put the Windows Vista DVD in the drive and start the installation process.

The Windows Vista DVD should be capable of formatting the disk to the Windows native partition(s) (NTFS or FAT32) you require for Windows installation.

This will cut out one step in the process.

Is that an option for you? Or do you have some special need to use a Linux Live CD?

Remember to first back-up any valuable data on partitions you plan to nuke.

boehj
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