I'm trying to install ubuntu on my dell that has no operating system.?

Question

I created a ubuntu disk but it doesn't boot when the computer is turned on, it just says NTLDR is missing. I already changed the boot order for CD to be first. Should I be creating a different disk other than the standard one used for desktops on the ubuntu website? I'm open to any free operating system also, so if there is an easier way to get one installed on my dell that would be great. Thanks!

Answer 1

i tried it before and it works fine the cd on the site.

did you burn the file you downloaded as an image or did you just put it as it is on a cd?

Answer 2

The NTLDR is the boot loader used for windows NT based systems. When you install Ubuntu, it should overwrite any current boot loaders and install Grub boot loader. What version of Ubuntu are you using and did you buy the computer with no operating system, or did you delete one that was already there?

Since the machine had windows installed on it before, the problem was probably caused by not deleting windows properly. If the BIOS is still looking for the NTLDR then there is still a trace of windows on there.

When you are installing Ubuntu, how are you doing it? Did you click the option 'Use entire disk' or did you click the other option which allows you to partition your disk and run two operating systems? When you pick the first option, Ubuntu should format your disk for you and install Grub. If that's what you did before, then would re-install windows (to get the NTLDR back) and then install Ubuntu as a partition.