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Format an active drive

6K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  Old Rich 
#1 ·
Hi

Been having a few problems with my computer (posted here before) with viruses and damaged windows files so I've decided to format my windows disc (c:) and start again since my pc is full of rubbish anyway and needs a good clean.

I've tried to re-install windows and it will not allow me to format my c: drive since it already installs files it needs on it.

Any ideas?

O and i do have other hard disc's in my pc and i only want to format the c:, so no programs that will format everything -razz:
 
#3 · (Edited)
Be sure to disconnect the other drives before you reinstall . . once you are ready, enter BIOS ( Setup ) and set the first boot device as CD/ROM.

Put your XP Disc in the drive and disconnect all external peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and be sure those are not USB, or wireless. Any internal USB card should also be removed.

If you are using an upgrade version installation CD, you'll also need a CD with an older operating system ( Windows 98SE or Windows ME ) to complete the install. Also Make sure you have the 25-digit product code for the Windows XP CD.

Once you set your BIOS to boot first from cd . . when it restarts you will see a black screen with a prompt "Press any key to boot from CD" . . do that and you will be able to delete any or all partitions and recreate one or more, then proceed to formating and installing XP.

That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot. This will delete all data on the drive so be sure you have your important data backed up. The prompt will appear after every reboot, but do not press any key on subsequent reboots. The setup process will continue with no action required from you.

If you do not get that message, and if you have another optical drive, try the XP CD in the other drive.

If you are installing on SATA drive, there is an additional step:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm

This is a site that walks you thru a simulated XP installation:
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html

These are good guides to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print one for reference during the install.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.socrtwo.info/cleanxpinstall.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

You will likely have to reload drivers (Chipset first) and applications, If your XP installation disc does not include SP3, after the installation, you will need to download and install SP-3, while windows is clean. Prior to connecting to the internet be sure you enable the XP firewall.

For help entering BIOS: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
http://www.techsupportforum.com/content/Hardware/Tips/48.html
 
#4 ·
i was using the xp cd but it wouldn't let me delete the c partition

as for simpswr post, sounds allot of work to format a drive, might just buy a new HDD to replace it, only need an 40-80 GB for my c: since all my programs and other stuff are on other drives and my keyboard and mouse are both USB :p
 
#7 ·
The more peripherals you have attached, the greater the odds that the installation will stumble over a driver . . some systems will handle usb keyboard and mouse during the installation . . most do not. You can try it . . if it does not recognize a keyboard stroke, then you will have to start over with a new instalaltion
 
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