It had Windows installed and it was taking up 3 partitions or something so i destroyed its recovery drive and i probably need to start fresh with just Linux

Is there a way to just reset and do everything over like by repartitioning and installing something like Fedora or Ubuntu? I tried to jnstall PopOS and i think i settled on the ZorinOS or something but I can’t get Ethernet or my VPN working and I want to be able to download “app” “installers” like you do with PC or MacOS.

Baby steps

  • Kongar@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    2 hours ago

    The answer to starting fresh is to format the entire drive and reparation the whole thing. All operating system installers ship with tools to do that. Some are easier to use than others, but they are all there. You’re looking for “custom install or custom partitioning or manual partitioning” or something like that. Usually during the “where do you want to install” questions.

    It’s not hard to do, but it’s often hidden a little bit because formatting and/or repartitioning the wrong drive nukes the drive.

    In your case, just go to town. Know how big your drive is, delete all existing partitions, and the new ones you create should total up to the size of the drive. Just make sure you’re doing it to the right drive if you have more than one :)

    With Linux, you can get fancy making separate partitions for home and stuff, but you don’t really need to worry about that if you don’t want to. You can just nuke the drive, and then tell the os to “use the whole drive” and just let it do its thing.

    If you want to understand it deeper and better, I’d suggest watching some videos for your distro.

    Have fun!