Wiped Windows partition while installing Ubuntu. Next?

TrailRunner · Apr 18, 2014

I have managed to wipe my Windows partition while installing the latest release of Ubuntu (v14.04). I've had my HDD split in two with both Windows 8 (updated to 8.1 Update) and Ubuntu and dual-booted between them for over a year.

During the Ubunut install it informed me that I had a previous version of Ubuntu and would I like to wipe the partition that it occupied and install cleanly. I chose that. It also offered a chance to use free space. Now, why I accepted that I don't know but the definition of free space seems to include any other partitions on the drive and didn't warn of this either!

The upshot is that I now have a 1TB drive with no Windows on it. I've lost all my email, pics etc etc.

I tried using my rescue DVD that I created from within Windows and at 29% I am asked to insert the second disc. I don't have a second disk. I had to force my laptop to power down in order to do anything. In order to get online I ended up installing Ubuntu again and it definitely shows no Windows partition.

I've already ordered a retail copy of Windows 8.1 and I'm hoping that I can install this with no issues on what is effectively a clean drive. Am I correct in that assumption? Is there anything else I can try that might rescue it?

I have a Dell Inspiron 17r SE that is out of warranty so no support from Dell. I'm in the UK too if that helps.

Thank you very, very much in advance.

dodger46 · Apr 18, 2014

TrailRunner :

Could try EaseUs Recovery, it boots from a USB drive/disk.
http://www.easeus.com/data-recovery-wizard-winpe/winpe-for-data-recovery.htm
Hopefully you'll get something back. Meanwhile the best environment to install W8.1 to is Unallocated Space, which means either using Easeus to achieve that or Drive Options (Advanced) during setup.

TrailRunner · Apr 18, 2014

Thanks for your reply. I've decided to do away with Ubuntu and just use W8.1 but I am concerned about installation. Will a retail version install onto my laptop that previously had an OEM install? I've read something about a key stored in the BIOS.

However, it also appears that W8.1 retail is now a full version only and not an upgrade so maybe I can just install it as if I had a new drive.

Any thoughts?

dodger46 · Apr 18, 2014

TrailRunner :

Shame you can't use the OEM Key, but the Retail version should install without a hitch if you follow the Unallocated Space advice...

USAFRet · Apr 18, 2014

After installing Ubuntu, then starting and aborting a Windows recovery, and then installing Ubuntu again it is unlikely you'll get anything viable off the drive. Maybe a few files or file fragments, but unlikely anything in a really usable condition.

A purchased Win 8 or 8.1 should install with no issue, either System Builder/OEM or Retail.

TrailRunner · Apr 18, 2014

[/quotemsg]
Shame you can't use the OEM Key, but the Retail version should install without a hitch if you follow the Unallocated Space advice...

[/quotemsg]

Unallocated space advice? I was hoping it'd ask me if I wanted to format the drive first and then install.

USAFRet · Apr 18, 2014

TrailRunner :

Shame you can't use the OEM Key, but the Retail version should install without a hitch if you follow the Unallocated Space advice...

[/quotemsg]

Unallocated space advice? I was hoping it'd ask me if I wanted to format the drive first and then install.

[/quotemsg]

Given the Windows 8.1 install disk, after it boots it will ask where to install.
Select Advanced, and you should see all the existing partitions.
Select each existing partition, and delete.
You should then have one big unallocated space. The whole drive
Let Windows use that space. It will do what it needs.

TrailRunner · Apr 18, 2014

Thank you. Will give it a try when the DVD turns up. Typically it'll be a good few days due to the Easter weekend!

dodger46 · Apr 18, 2014

TrailRunner :

I'm intrigued by the fact that you have a perfectly usable W8 key embedded in your BIOS. Theoretically it can only be utilised by so called 'White Box' OEM version of W8 as used by the major manufacturers to install W8. As this version cannot be downloaded from any legal source it leaves folk in your situation with scant choice, either buy retail or stump up for Recovery disks. As you will shortly have an installation disk I would be interest to see if Setup asks you for your Product key, or automatically seeks and finds it in BIOS. I'm aware that the different versions of Installation disks have different entries in a file called efi.cfg in the Sources Folder, and that will probably determine what key it will seek. Anyway, hopefully you will post the results when you get going. As USAF Rtd says, with no partitions it will be straightforward, Unallocated Space allows Setup to create a System Reserved Partition which it can't do on a disk that has already been partitioned. (Contains Boot Data)

USAFRet · Apr 18, 2014

With the preinstalled Windows 8, you are expected to:

1. Use the restore partition existing on the drive
2. Create the recovery DVD set and use that
3. Pay HP/Dell/whoever for a new set of Recovery disks
4. Buy your own install from MS

For the OS, your agreement is with HP/Dell/whoever, not Microsoft, until you actually buy it from MS.

TrailRunner · Apr 18, 2014

I will post up what happens.

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