Hello! I know my question is not exactly for this os, but i have a serious problem and i would be happy if someone understanding debian could help me. I recently decided to see what linux looks like and i decided to install debian. I created a bootable usb drive and installed the system, not knowing it will delete windows. I panicked and tried to get back to windows but in the boot options there was no windows - only debian. I was panicking so much i returned back to debian and installed testdisk, the last thing I remember doing was clicking the button “write” and my pc shut off… When trying to boot back to the os i am met with the gnu grub 2.06 , i tried almost all possible commands but nothing is happening. The most progress i have made - i found that the debian os is stored on my hd0,1 and i tried the command boot, but i am met with the error “you need to load the kernel first” . I genuinely do not know what to with my pc from now on. So please if someone who understands debian, please help me!
Hi and Welcome! So you did not make a backup of Windows? I am sad to say that might not be possible. How are you trying to run testdisk?
Yeah so… gladly i had a backup only of my photos, but only they were important so it doesnt matter if windows is deleted. I think i was reading something on the internet about that my windows data still may be accessible and may be on one of the partitions. I was speeding so fast that i didnt see what i was doing. The last thing i clearly remember doing was clicking write and it asked me to reboot my pc. After i rebooted it i am stuck till now on the gnu grub …
Hmm ... When Windows is really deleted, You could download a Windows ISO from Microsoft on another Machine, put it on an USB Stick and then install Windows again.
And then You could install Debian besides it. I would recommend to use a Debian Live Image because there You have a Live Mode to try it and You have a better Installer.
Or: You download Zorin, put it on an USB Stick and start it and choose the ''Try Zorin'' Mode. Then look for ''Boot Repair'' and start it. Maybe that helps.
I will repeat and add my endorsement to this suggestion ^.
I do not have access to a computer
What about your Debian USB stick that you used to install Debian?
That should have the Try or Install mode on it.
It is the same Boot Repair tool:
https://wiki.debian.org/Boot-Repair
If @al3x didn't took the Debian Live Image this doesn't wok unfortunately.
Is it possible that You could ask a Friend maybe? Then You could download the Windows ISO and use something like Rufus (on a Windows PC) or another Tool to write it on a USB Stick. Or You try it then with Zorin and use the Boot Repair Program instead.
I have the windows setup on that flash..
I will try to install zorin now and will update in a bit
Before install, use Try option at boot. That way you can explore your drive to see if you need to recover anything else.
Non, no. You don't need to install it directly. Start it in the Try Mode like explained above and use the ''Boot Repair'' Tool. You could use ''GParted'' in Try Mode, too to make a Screenshot of the Partitions and then You could show that here.
guys thank you for your help! i had givem my pc to a friend and he fixed it - i got my windows back. can you still reccomend what linux version is the best for begginers?
Well, there is Zorin OS ... But when You want an Alternative to this, I would say Linux Mint.
I will add
MXLinux
ASMI Linux
And...
Ubuntu and Ubuntu Flavors. Mint and Zorin are both based on Ubuntu. While forks often get mentioned as "good for beginners" the underlying base is so viable because it is good for beginners, too.
Ubuntu Flavors are the variant desktop environments on Ubuntu:
Kubuntu Xubuntu Lubuntu Ubuntu-Mate.
I also find Linux Lite to be a top end Distro that is good for beginners, easy to use and customize, works well on older hardware but gets little attention.
Thank you all guys for helping me and giving me advice!