Hey guys I need help. (Transferring OS's)

So recently I upgraded from win XP to Ubuntu 11.10, I wanted to try something new, and from what my brother was saying Ubuntu is a lot faster.
When I installed it I was happy and all, it was faster (most likely due to the hard-drive wipe I did in the process of wiping XP off and installing Linux); but what I didn't realize was that Linux can generally be much more complex than windows/mac, etc, having to manually install programs and plugins and root different directories and files, etc.
I want to install a fresh version of windows XP or windows 7 (preferably 7), but I don't want to pay. I know this is where torrents come in, HOWEVER, every one I've seen has required some sort of ".exe" file to be launched, whether it be a keygen or a patch, and you just can't launch those on Linux. Is there a way to install windows 7 for free without having to use ".exe"' files? Like just mounting a ".iso" and that's that? Am I missing something?
Looking forward to any helpful responses, if I get any.

Thanks.

 

I think torrents fall into the category of warez, which are not allowed here.

But as for installing windows 7, you cant mount it, you will have to extract the iso to a 4gb flash drive or burn it onto a DVD.

 

You would need the disc to boot the computer on to. I believe you can also launch from a flash drive.

You should have just partitioned your hard drive and dual booted into Ubuntu so it would have been an easy Uninstall if you weren't satisfied. Also do your homework next time you want to upgrade, Linux is no walk in the park.

 

There are ways to boot off of a flash drive, but it's pretty damn complicated. Burn it to a disk, DVD-RW preferably. I would then download all the drivers you need for your new OS, graphics, audio & chipset. I would also put these on a disk instead of a USB because there's a chance after you install the OS it won't read your USB.

 

Its incredibly easy to boot off a flash drive, just use Microsofts tool
http://download.cnet.com/Windows-7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool/3000-18513_4-10972600.html

All you have to do is choose the iso file and it does everything else for you, and its quicker then burning it do a DVD.

 

Ubuntu is idiot proof. If you want to install something use software manager or find a .deb file.

 

1 small problem with that, He is on linux and windows doesent offer a linux friendly version of their usb installer. I had the EXACT same problem, except i installed Win7. I had to use flashdrive as my cd rom is broken.. This worked like a charm .. I know its for Win7 but wont hurt to attempt with Xp..although xp is know to be a challenge..certain service packs cannot be put on usb

http://www.webupd8.org/2010/10/create-bootable-windows-7-usb-drive.html

 

This. You're giving up simply because it's different, and you're not used to it. Correct, Linux CAN be a lot more difficult to use. Ubuntu, however, is designed such that it has much the same ease of use as Windows. It's simply different and requires getting used to. Ubuntu has capabilities for more complicated use, however it is a distribution made for the end-user.

If you have issues using Ubuntu, post on their forums. The users there are very helpful and friendly, and chances are if you're having a problem then someone else has had it before and will be able to help you.

 

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