endless setup loop

[Guest]

I am working on a machine running XP. Not sure what caused the original
problem, but the system became bootable only in safe mode. I tried system
restore, but to no avail. I decided on a repair install of XP, and began the
process. About halfway thru setup, the computer Reboots on its own, and
setup is restarted. I cant seem to get out of setup, no matter what I try.
I tried changing the boot order in BIOS, and removing the XP disk, but it
still restarts setup, no matter what. All I want to do now is get this
machine reformatted, and start with a clean install. But I dont know how to
get to that point. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Guest]

Forgot to mention that I'm working on a Toshiba laptop that was purchased
used, and came with no recovery software. Also, this machine has no floppy
drive, or I would just use an old Win 98 boot disk and FDISK and format. Is
there a way to to get to a command prompt in my situation, and if so, would
I be able to wipe the hard drive from there??

 

[Derek Blakey]

Hi

If you have a Win98 CD let the Tosh boot from it . I t should give you a
menu, select the bottom option and use FDISK from there.

HTH's

Derek

 

[Guest]

Thanks so much for the suggestion. I do have an old Win 98 CD. I'll give it
a try!!!