The Linux operating system is generally installed on partition type 83 (Linux native) or 82 (Linux swap).

Linux file systems use a 'superblock' at the beginning of a disk partition to identify the basic size, shape, and condition of the file system. Also, you must have a full release version of the Windows operating system you want to install. If you intend to restore the Linux operating system at a later date, verify that you also have a good backup of all the information stored on your computer. IMPORTANT: Before you follow the steps in this article, verify that you have a bootable disk or bootable CD-ROM for the Linux operating system, because this process completely removes the Linux operating system installed on your computer. The Windows-compatible partition can be created automatically during the installation of the Windows operating system. To install Windows on a system that has Linux installed when you want to remove Linux, you must manually delete the partitions used by the Linux operating system.

For additional information, refer to your Linux documentation. Windows and Linux can coexist on the same computer. This article also assumes that Linux is already installed on the hard disk using Linux native and Linux swap partitions, which are incompatible with the Windows operating system, and that there is no free space left on the drive. This article describes how you can remove the Linux operating system from your computer, and install a Windows operating system. For a Microsoft Windows XP version of this article, see 314458.

Windows security essentials