missing operating system

I downloaded it straight from the download to disc, my machine boots the repair disc and a repair disc I made from a Compaq laptop.

This is not how to do it - the iso file has to be decompressed in the process of burning; that's why there is specialized program like ImgBurn. I suggest you redo the action.

Again:

1. Locate the downloaded file, Gparted....iso.
2. Using SPECIALIZED burning program (ImgBurn.exe - it is free and reliable) burn the file to a CD
3. Boot from the newly made CD.

I solved this myself by switching system configuration from SATA to RAID, now I am not sure if it is safe to switch back or not. also when I click on computer there is no "recovery" listed next to the OS(C). How do I make one.

I am not competent to offer RAID advice.

As to Recovery partition, I don't think there's a simple way to recreate one, and I would not try. If data security is important to you, use any of the available backup software programs. I use Acronis Home TrueImage, but free software is available as well - EASEUS, for example. Store backups on an external drive, for added safety.

One other thing is that my dell offers no "erase this disk" option, why? and can I fix this or is there another option for erasing CDs?

If a CD is rewritable, yes, you can erase; but most CD's are not. There is no option for erasing a once-written CD.

Norton will not let me download imgburn

capricorn64 said:

Norton will not let me download imgburn

That's because ImgBurn has had OpenCandy bundled with it since the latest release (2.5.8.0) 3 years ago. A lot of Antivirus and Antimalware programs flag OpenCandy as malware.

Best way to download and install ImgBurn (and many other programs) is from here:

https://ninite.com/

Under Utilities. Download the installer and run it. No OpenCandy or any other 'undesirables' are installed.

was able to download cd burnerxp, thank you