(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Here is my problem.

The computer I am using right now has a messed up screen forcing me to use a moniter.

I figured I'd use my old computer until I repair my laptop.

The issue with it is some time ago a linux distro was installed onto it, and then uninstalled and formatted.

Now I can't seem to install ANY version of windows, via CD or USB.

It doesn't reconize anything in the CD drive. USB drives have started to install but usually fail for unknown reasons..

Could it be my computer's HD was formatted into a different file system?

Is my only option to buy a new hard drive?

It is a Dell Dimension 3100. I also tried changing the boot order in the BIOS.
*Onboard hard disk
*Onboard CD drive or USB device
*USB device

Are my options. None of which recognize.

Any ideas?

How about a new computer?

Fuck a new computer, I'm broke as hell ATM.

I need a way to fix this

Mine had a simmilar problem

Wipe the Drive and install brand new bios and windows

That doesn't sound like a hard drive problem, try updating your BIOS with You must login or register to view this content..
If you have another computer, attach the HDD from your laptop to it and format it in NTFS.
Hmm... get Darik's Boot and Nuke and do a one pass on your HDD, it's a little bit annoying to get up and going but it's what I use every year to wipe mine.

How do i connect my hard drive to my laptop? And how do I update the BIOS with the file.

The Hard drive is already wiped in some foreign file system. No OS on it so I can't wipe it

eSATA for laptop; if you have a desktop in your house try attaching it to it, if you don't have an eSATA station.

For Dells you just execute it in Windows, it'll reboot then install it.

It's probably formatted in Ext2 or something.

OR download some software that will let you format the hard drive to NTFS(Use Google), burn it to a disc, shutdown the laptop you're on, take out the hard-drive, replace it with the one with the foreign file system from your old laptop, boot from the disc and wipe the drive.

Party!

My desktop is the fucked computer BTW. Laptop is what I am using.

Take it to a friends house and format it, the only other way would be an eSATA station, like the one that comes with the E3 Flasher L.E. .