Comment 1128 for bug 1

Hi :)

I think it is well worth trying a LiveCd session before installing to any machine, just to make sure you know what (if any) boot options you might need to add
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD
Check the "Places" menu to see if he does have the Windows partition. Otherwise he might want to try some data recovery
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/DataRecovery
and a dual-boot install, even with a crippled Windows is usually better because you can soon pick-up skills that can help fix or recover the Windows side, even if you can't at the moment. It gives the user something to aim for
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot

Regards from
Tom :)