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My laptop's Windows 7 installation is broken, so I can't boot Windows on it. I was thinking of installing Ubuntu to replace Windows, but I don't know how to do this. I am going to try installing Ubuntu 12.04.3. Can I do this with a 800 MB disc? Finally, is it possible if Windows is installed, but doesn't work?

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  • Welcome to Ask Ubuntu. Please can you clarify if the discs entire size is really just 800 MB (not 800 GB). If yes, how old is this computer? What kind of Windows was running on it? Please edit your question to provide the information.
    – MadMike
    Nov 23, 2013 at 20:13

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As long as your BIOS or UEFI is still working (the splash screen with your computer manufacturer's name on it when your computer starts up), then you will be able to install Ubuntu.

Ubuntu 12.04, which is older than the latest version, 13.10, but has a longer support period. The latest version of Ubuntu, 13.10, has a shorter support period , but newer features.

Ubuntu 12.04 will fit on an 800 megabyte CD, but Ubuntu 13.04 will not. So, if you plan on installing Ubuntu 13.04, you'll need to use a DVD or USB.

If you would like to create a bootable CD or DVD, follow these instruction to create a bootable CD/DVD from Windows, or these instructions if you are running OS X.

If you would like to create a bootable USB drive (may not work on older computers), you should follow this guide for creating a bootable USB on Windows using Pen Drive Linux. Again, if you are running OS X, follow this guide instead.

In order to boot from your live CD/DVD or live USB, you'll need to press a key when your computer starts up. Assuming your computer didn't come with Windows 8 (in which case you should follow this answer for disabling Secure Boot), it will probablly be Esc or F2. When your computer starts up, look for some text on the screen that says 'Boot Menu' and a key on your keyboard (usually in the upper right-hand corner).

The process varies between computer, but there should be an option to select a CD/DVD drive or a USB storage device. If no USB option shows up (ensure that the USB drive is plugged into your computer before you start it), you'll need to use a CD or DVD instead.

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  • Okay the problem is that the only place it gets to when i boot it is "Starting windows". also when you say usb drive you also mean an external harddrive?
    – user218596
    Nov 23, 2013 at 13:39
  • And yeah i see the manufacturers name when i start it up
    – user218596
    Nov 23, 2013 at 13:40
  • How new is your computer? What version of Windows did it come with?
    – Aaron Hill
    Nov 23, 2013 at 13:42
  • So if it is a Windows Problem you could also insert an Ubuntu DVD/CD into your PC. Boot it into live disc. And after that you could also save all your data. But i would also check your Harddrive. Maybe it has some problems and because of this it doesnt boot.
    – d3rdon
    Jan 9, 2014 at 19:55
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Yes, you can make a bootable Ubuntu OS with 800mb disk. It doesn't matter whether your Windows installation works or not, you can replace windows with Ubuntu.

See this: How to replace Windows with Ubuntu?

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