Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

invalid authentication?

Apr 23, 2015 10:20AM PDT

a bought a new full version of Windows7 for this machine (because I hate Cool everything worked fine, then I installed linux, now I want to reformat and go back to a dual boot. Everytime I try to load Windows it gives "invalid authentication" errror and will not install. I am using a boght and paid for full OS that has only been installed on ths one machine ever, so what is going on???

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
(NT) Say. Are you sure this isn't a repeat of your old issue?
Apr 23, 2015 10:53AM PDT
- Collapse -
Answer
I can replicate that.
Apr 23, 2015 10:27AM PDT
- Collapse -
Answer
Dual booting
Apr 26, 2015 10:47AM PDT

different OS's is just nonsense these days when you can install Linux on a flash drive , you can make it persistent.
Digger

- Collapse -
Answer
which one?
Apr 27, 2015 2:09AM PDT
a bought a new full version of Windows7 for this machine (because I hate Cool everything worked fine,

It came with windows 8 originally? The windows 7 was working OK?

then I installed linux, now I want to reformat and go back to a dual boot.

You installed linux as the only operating system? You want to reformat the whole drive, or just a windows partition? What dual boot do you want? Linux-W7, Linux-W8 or W7-W8?

Everytime I try to load Windows it gives "invalid authentication" errror and will not install.

Which windows? 7 or 8?

I am using a boght and paid for full OS that has only been installed on ths one machine ever, so what is going on??

windows 7?
- Collapse -
Answer
" now I want to reformat"...
Apr 27, 2015 2:40AM PDT

maybe you should just go ahead and reformat..then install win7. I am not sure if win7 disc can do partition format though. My partitioning tool is "pmagic". check CNET free download.

- Collapse -
Technically, formatting may not be enough.
Apr 27, 2015 2:42AM PDT

I've had to remove old partitions or blank the drive to get it ready for Microsoft's rather limited installer. I don't fault MSFT too hard for this but a little prep work may be required.
Bob