Installing Windows 7 over Ubuntu

A delete and format is not at all the same thing, not even close.

A Windows "clean all" marks the entire HDD as unallocated space and writes zeroes to every sector, over-writing any and all data of any kind still there.

Bare Foot Kid said:

A delete and format is not at all the same thing, not even close.

A Windows "clean all" marks the entire HDD as unallocated space and writes zeroes to every sector, over-writing any and all data of any kind still there.

A technical distinction between the two is not required for this. The OP is not a technical person nor does the OP need anything more then to delete the existing partitions. One single step form the OP is required nothing more. The Windows Installer will handle the rest, including creating the partitions.

LisaZ said:

logicearth said:

When you delete it is pretty much the same thing as format. Just select the correct Hard drive formatted or not and let the Windows installer handle the rest. There is no need to over complicate things her or "secure delete" just wastes time. All you should have to do is delete every partition until the drive only shows one. Well if you only have one physical hard drive in the computer.

Ah, well, I've already complicated things for myself by following Barefoot's instructions. Oh well, it should only tke like an hour or so.

Thanks everyone... I think I've got it for now.

Don't be fooled, a format does nothing at all.