debian clean install

[QuantumParadox]

I want to install debain over ubuntu on my laptop becuase i hate the direction that ubuntu is going. I made a usb from unetbooten and tried to partition and i i think i messed it up. now it wont boot and gives a kernal panic error. i want to just do a clean install of debain and have it wipe the HD and i just wont bother with the partition because i am just not skilled enough for it but unlike ubuntu this debain installer at least doesnt let you wipe the HD before you start so how would i go about doing this?

[Tsquad]

The debian that i just got done installing has a partition option a bit into the install process. You just have to pick the default option I believe, it uses entire disk. It wont delete the HD before the install process, its in the middle, sort of. Unless the version that unetbooten has is missing that...never used it before.

[jayd512]

Hello and Welcome!

If you'd like to partition your drive before starting the installation, you could use GParted. I've used it many times, and it's very easy to use with an intuitive GUI.

[Randicus]

I have never used a USB, but with a disc, Debian gives the option of basic/standard installation and expert installation. Basic is the first option on the menu. It involves automatic partitioning of the entire hard drive.
If by, "now it wont boot and gives a kernal panic error.", you mean cannot boot into the installer, the file on the USB may be corrupted. Try making another copy. If you mean the system will not boot after installation, then a mistake was probably made during installation.
If your computer can boot from a disc, in my opinion, the best way to install is using a CD or DVD. Either way, with the basic installation method, you do not need to do anything: no partitioning, no package selection.

[BoDiddley]

People seem to encounter unusual situations with usb.It must be usb. You should have never lost access to your system by doing a install. I suggest Parted Magic live CD, and then install from CD. Parted Magic is enhanced GParted.

[QuantumParadox]

thank you everyone for your replies I have been busy with school but so far this is how the problem is going. I figured out it wasnt me messing up the partition it is that unetbootin has some error when it tries to install GRUB boot loader so you end up with having debain but not being able to run it. thatw what the kernal panic was so i partitioned with ubuntu and now putting ubuntu on there put the boot loader on so i can boot into both...............BUT for some reason i either cant remember the user name and password or i messed up putting it in becuase i was tired (i always use the same one) so i can only LOG INTO UBUNTU NOT DEBAIN i got so excited when it loaded... what can i do lol how can i hack my own computer...can i hack my own computer? i just dont know what to do i could re install debain without the boot loader and try putting in the correct user name and password that i want THEN re install ubuntu and partiotion but omg is that i lot of work... is there any other way? btw my HD is huge 360 GB so its not a big deal to use both...idk anymore lol someone help me how do i do this is there any other way???


<3 thanks

[goldfish777]

Ok you seem to be having some major issues. I think your over complicating this. Download Gparted or Parted Magic and put it on a cd. Actually the Debian Live cd probably comes with Gparted. Regardless, make the cd and bring up the partition manager. From there, wipe the drive. If you have any important information you may want to get a copy of it before wiping your drive though. After that is all done boot into your Debian live CD and do a clean install. You should be fine after that.