FDISK in xp from startup dsk help...?
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Hi,
I don't think you want to do what you think you do. If you want to format with XP, then put your OS disk in (assuming you have a legit OS disk), boot up the computer and it will ask if you want to install Windows. Select that option and it will give you the opportunity to format before it installs.
I don't think you want to do what you think you do. If you want to format with XP, then put your OS disk in (assuming you have a legit OS disk), boot up the computer and it will ask if you want to install Windows. Select that option and it will give you the opportunity to format before it installs.
believe me i do. theres a big error in a brand new custom computer and its never had an OS installed on it theres a boot failed error all the time so ive never managed to install anyhing but theres some stupid isolinux file from my FC6 cd on it, and windows comes up wih the same error and theres a lot more to it than that so if u could tell me how i would much appreciate it... thankyou
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Hi,
When it comes up to A:, all you need to do is type Fdisk and it will do what you want. Typing Fdisk will take it to the C: drive to do the work for you. When you go there, you can delete the partition, create the partition, activate the partition and then after shutdown, format the partition.
However, if you really want to clean this drive and get rid of everything (Fdisk and format only masks, and deletes some things and does not delete everything), I suggest you use Dban located HERE. That will clean that drive to like new capacity. You can do that from a boot floppy and the site tells you how to do it. It does take longer, but does a much better job than Fdisk. When you are done, you can use the XP disk to install. This program as I mentioned will take more time since it cleans everything, but most techs on here use and recommend it.
Addendum: Darn, almost forgot. You know that the drive manufacturer's utility will also do a great job with what you want to do. You can download those from this site:
Manufacturer’s websites for the utilities of all drive makes and models
http://tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
When it comes up to A:, all you need to do is type Fdisk and it will do what you want. Typing Fdisk will take it to the C: drive to do the work for you. When you go there, you can delete the partition, create the partition, activate the partition and then after shutdown, format the partition.
However, if you really want to clean this drive and get rid of everything (Fdisk and format only masks, and deletes some things and does not delete everything), I suggest you use Dban located HERE. That will clean that drive to like new capacity. You can do that from a boot floppy and the site tells you how to do it. It does take longer, but does a much better job than Fdisk. When you are done, you can use the XP disk to install. This program as I mentioned will take more time since it cleans everything, but most techs on here use and recommend it.
Addendum: Darn, almost forgot. You know that the drive manufacturer's utility will also do a great job with what you want to do. You can download those from this site:
Manufacturer’s websites for the utilities of all drive makes and models
http://tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
You can still get rid of everything on C drive if you boot from the XP CD (assuming you have one). The XP CD allows you to delete partitions and create new ones (just like FDISK only easier to use). Then it will format the new partition prior to running XP install on it. Everything you need to do on the XP CD.
Contrary to what you've been told, FDISK (and the XP CD equivalent) WILL delete everything inasmuch as no files will be visible to the system afterwards and nothing left to cause any problems later on. Now we all know that special software can be used to resurrect deleted files, but that's not what we are worried about here. Deleting the partition with the XP CD or FDISK is quite sufficient to give you a 'clean' disk for your purpose.
Contrary to what you've been told, FDISK (and the XP CD equivalent) WILL delete everything inasmuch as no files will be visible to the system afterwards and nothing left to cause any problems later on. Now we all know that special software can be used to resurrect deleted files, but that's not what we are worried about here. Deleting the partition with the XP CD or FDISK is quite sufficient to give you a 'clean' disk for your purpose.
pip22, the OP said all that failed and thats why the mod replied to use other software.
I use UBCD to clear everything out - the KillDisk utility on it works best for me. I've tried Dban aswell and its good.
I'd scan your HDD using UBCD HDD diagnostic tools for your make/model before going any further as in to install an OS. Any time the XP CD is not clearing anything nor FDSIK, its usually a HDD error - i.e. corrupt or failing.
I use UBCD to clear everything out - the KillDisk utility on it works best for me. I've tried Dban aswell and its good.
I'd scan your HDD using UBCD HDD diagnostic tools for your make/model before going any further as in to install an OS. Any time the XP CD is not clearing anything nor FDSIK, its usually a HDD error - i.e. corrupt or failing.
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Hi,
Good plan, I think that is what Kalim and I have been urging you to do. If you need further help, let us know and please tell us what happens.
Good plan, I think that is what Kalim and I have been urging you to do. If you need further help, let us know and please tell us what happens.
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