fdisk error

BigWise · 10-12-2004, 06:28 PM

A friend of mine gave me an older computer that had win98 se on it. The computer and alot of different errors so I decided to just reformat it. After the reboot it says "drive c does not contain a valid FAT or FAT32 partition". Also it says there is no fixed disk present. Could someone please help me!!!!!

batty_professor · 10-12-2004, 06:49 PM

Did you realize the "Format" operation deletes all data on the disk? All software? You now need a startup disk, or preferably an installation cd so you can re-install an operating system.

10-12-2004, 06:52 PM

Hi BigWise,

Welcome to the forum. I am going to give you the steps for a proper Fdisk, just (oh, I know you probably know, but we forget sometimes) so you can see what might be wrong in case you missed one:

Set BIOS setup menu to boot with the A: drive first.

Download a boot disk for Win98 from Bootdisk.com

Put the boot disk in the computer and turn in on.

When it comes up type Fdisk.

In there, be sure you delete all partitions

Then create a partition (I would create one large one)

BE SURE YOU ACTIVATE THE PARTITION.

Shut down

Reboot and when it comes up again, then Format the disk

Shut down again (this is a quirk I have, some don't do it)

When it starts again, enter the BIOS setup menu and if loading win98, then turn your PnP to ENABLED.

Save and Exit

REboot and when it comes up again select with Cdrom support.

Then when it comes up totally, type setup.....and away it should go if you have your OS disk in the CDRom.

Hope this helps

10-12-2004, 06:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
BigWise Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1 OS: 98 SE	fdisk error A friend of mine gave me an older computer that had win98 se on it. The computer and alot of different errors so I decided to just reformat it. After the reboot it says "drive c does not contain a valid FAT or FAT32 partition". Also it says there is no fixed disk present. Could someone please help me!!!!!

10-12-2004, 06:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,608 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	Did you realize the "Format" operation deletes all data on the disk? All software? You now need a startup disk, or preferably an installation cd so you can re-install an operating system. __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

10-12-2004, 06:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
mark3567 Guest Posts: n/a OS:	Hi BigWise, Welcome to the forum. I am going to give you the steps for a proper Fdisk, just (oh, I know you probably know, but we forget sometimes) so you can see what might be wrong in case you missed one: Set BIOS setup menu to boot with the A: drive first. Download a boot disk for Win98 from Bootdisk.com Put the boot disk in the computer and turn in on. When it comes up type Fdisk. In there, be sure you delete all partitions Then create a partition (I would create one large one) BE SURE YOU ACTIVATE THE PARTITION. Shut down Reboot and when it comes up again, then Format the disk Shut down again (this is a quirk I have, some don't do it) When it starts again, enter the BIOS setup menu and if loading win98, then turn your PnP to ENABLED. Save and Exit REboot and when it comes up again select with Cdrom support. Then when it comes up totally, type setup.....and away it should go if you have your OS disk in the CDRom. Hope this helps Last edited by mark3567; 10-12-2004 at 06:53 PM.