2 partitions, one format

[Guest]

ok, I have two partitions, a c: drive for windows and all
my files, and a m: drive for my music, pictures, etc.
Well my windows partition has a bunch of viruses and
driver problems, and I don't really feel like dealing
with them because I know that would take longer than just
starting from scratch. If I format the c: and re-install
windows xp, will I still be able to get to my m: drive?

 

[Guest]

Yes has long has you do not format it by error through the
windows xp setup

 

[Ron Sommer]

Yes and no
The second partition will still be there along with the data.
It will no longer be called m, because when you format C: the m label will
be lost.
You will have to relabel the partition m.

 

[Alex Nichol]

ok, I have two partitions, a c: drive for windows and all
my files, and a m: drive for my music, pictures, etc.
Well my windows partition has a bunch of viruses and
driver problems, and I don't really feel like dealing
with them because I know that would take longer than just
starting from scratch. If I format the c: and re-install
windows xp, will I still be able to get to my m: drive?

Yes. If it is an NTFS drive you may need to 'take Ownership' of it
afterwards, so look that up in Help and Support first.

Then boot the XP CD direct. Enter Setup, and after the license
agreement take New Install. When it asks you to confirm where, hit ESC;
select and delete the current partition and make a new RAW one to be
formatted at the next stage

The important point is the delete. Without that it will just go ahead
and make a new install over the top of the old one