Hi all,

I need real help this time. I need to format my system and install a fresh copy of Windows. I have Vista with SP1 ISO Image (no worries, it it not illegal. Got it from university), but there are problems:

  • I am not able to burn the image to DVD, nor I am able to burn Ubuntu ISO image to CD. I have already multiple burning software, but nothing worked. I can give it a try on my friend's laptop, but let's assume that I don't have bootable CD and/or DVD.
  • When I bought this laptop, HD was partitioned into C and D (this one is Recovery partition and is only approx 8 GB). So I need another partition. I installed Partition Magic, but little scared using it. Reason is, I don't want to risk losing my work or messing with this system as I am in middle of my semester and screwing up with this system will cost me a lot.
  • I need another partition because I am also planning to install Ubuntu and making a dual boot system.


So the crux of the problem is, I need to format my system once only, and I don't have bootable Windows and Linux DVD / CD, and I need another partition given above facts.

Is there a way I can format my system and install Windows off HD (I mean I can extract contents to D drive)?

My friend has Win 7 DVD. I can pop it into DVD drive, let it boot from it and use it to format C Drive, then use the extracted Windows content (say from D Drive) to re-partition C drive and install it. I can always use Wubi installer to install Ubuntu on the newly created partition.

Will it work? Or is there any way I can make it work?

Thank you.

PS: Sorry, if I sounded confused at any point.