[Webbc06]

i want to get linux mint and ubuntu of my mini. is there a way?

[sharksfan]

The only way is to create a new partition for a new OS. What are you planning of using instead? XP? OSX?

[reflex]

Is there any data on the drive that needs to be backed up? Do that first. If you're dual-booting, I'd back up Windows files, too. Partition editing can be incredibly destructive if something goes wrong or you make a mistake.

And then, what OS will you be using to delete the partition(s)?

In Windows, you'll want to use "Disk Management".

To delete the partitions from Linux, you'll need to boot off a Live CD or Live USB drive, since you can't delete a partition in use. And when you boot off a partition, it's most definitely in use. Then, from the Live CD/USB, start gparted (main menu > system > admin > partition editor). Right-click on the partition you want to delete and delete it.

If you're dual-booting with Windows, you'll probably want to grow the Windows partition to fill the newly freed space. gparted can do that, too. Just right-click on the Windows partition and choose resize/move after deleting the Linux partition.

[Webbc06]

well actualy i just have mint on my dell mini 1010 and i want to xp back on but i do not have a external cd drive is there away to do so with a usb stick?? could i use my laptop and a usb cable as a external cd drive?