Cannot boot unless hard disk is wiped

Question

I am trying to install Xubuntu 6.10 (Edgy Eft) and Windows XP Professional together. No matter how many times I remove all partitions (in Linux and Windows), installation of both operating systems fails when I try to reboot. Every time the computer says "Error loading operating system".

I've had this problem many times in the past, and my only solution is to completely erase the drive using Darik's Boot and Nuke [ http://dban.sourceforge.net/ ] and then repartitioning the drive, which takes hours.
What is another solution to the problem?

mombodog · Answer

Never heard of this after removing the partitions and format, did you try the long format in XP? If you used this, try quick format.   What model of PC?

brodyh · Answer

I've never tried the quick format, I will do so tonight when I work on the computer. It's a Dell Dimension 2300. Sorry for the slow replies, I don't have Internet at home, where the computer is.

mombodog · Answer

Boot and nuke wipes the drive starting at sector 0, so you could let it run 20 minutes then cancel, the drive will be wiped as far as partitions and MBR are concerned. Save you time.

brodyh · Answer

Alright, thanks a lot. I did try the quick format and it didn't help. I'm guessing it's because it doesn't start formatting at sector 0. Thanks a lot! I will try this and report back here.

brodyh · Answer

Yes, everything worked.

mombodog · Answer

Sweet  :smileyhappy:

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Cannot boot unless hard disk is wiped

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