Really Fubar Computer!

Okay, bought HP pavilion g7 laptop with AMD dual core processor, and pre-loaded with Windows 8. Tried to get used to layout and just do NOT like Windows 8. I also wanted to dual-boot with Ubuntu 12.10. Well appears I have deleted or whatever the MBR!

Okay what can I can do to get back to where I started from? I want to install Windows 7 and then dual-boot Ubuntu, but not sure how I get there from here!? Ubuntu 12.10 is installed, as when I start-up the computer Ubuntu loads and I can do what I want within Ubuntu. But also, want Windows 7 installed, etc.

So, need step-by-step hand-holding to get back to Windows installation of Windows 7. I will then install Ubuntu 12.10 for the dual-boot I want.

Sorry, to be so long-winded, but I am frustrated as hell! Would not have bought new laptop, but my old HP Pavilion dv8000 is dying and needed to be replaced. It is running Windows 7 and Ubuntu in dual-boot with no problems. And, that is what I want to do with the new laptop.

In order to Upgrade a Win8 PC to Win7 you must disable Secure Boot in BIOS, then follow the steps to install to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums.

The steps are outlined here: "Downgrade" Windows 8 to Windows 7

Okay, here is the problem that I think folks missed! Started out with Window 8 on new computer. Attempted to dual-boot Ubuntu. Went through all the steps to disable Secure Boot, etc. Somehow in all the different ideas folks have provided me, I have DELETED the MBR (i.e., there is NO NTFS partition), but only Ubuntu partition.

So, how do I get back to where I can install a "legal Windows 7" disk - software has NEVER been opened.

Whenever I start the computer Ubuntu loads and I can use Ubuntu, except for the fact I keep getting an error saying there is only about 120m of space left as Ubuntu files are at the end of the 750g disk!

So, like I mentioned, I really did FUBAR the computer and am needing help to get an NTFS partition back so Windows can install

If you only disabled Secure Boot and didn't also enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module, then you still must follow the extra steps to install Win7 to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums.

However if you have neither Secure Boot or EFI just install Win7 normally. During booted install, delete the Win8 and System Reserved partitions, create a new partition there, format and install as shown in Clean Install Windows 7.

In addition to the method for Dual Booting Rich posted above here are some other Linux Dual Boot resources: Dual Boot Ubuntu - EasyBCD - NeoSmart Technologies Wiki
Dual boot Ubuntu-Win7

ALL,

Nothing happens when I insert the Windows 7 disk - Ubuntu still loads and comes up! So................

Okay, Ztruker, do NOT see situation for starting with Ubuntu installed to start with and trying to install Windows 7! There is NO NTFS partition so Windows doesn't know what to do...............that is what I need to recreate is that MBR NTFS Windows partition!

gregrocker said:

In order to Upgrade a Win8 PC to Win7 you must disable Secure Boot in BIOS, then follow the steps to install to UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums.

The steps are outlined here: "Downgrade" Windows 8 to Windows 7

Did you even read the steps I posted above? You cannot install Win7 or any other OS to a Win7 PC until you disable Secure Boot in BIOS setup.

Then you must install in UEFI mode unless you also enable Legacy BIOS to install normally to an MBR disk. Until you delete all partitions during install you have a GPT disk which has no MBR.

If you have questions then ask back but don't just ignore critical steps which are given and repeat the problem. I was reacting to the problem.