Error loading operating system

[Guest]

Hi all,
I'm stcuk,I need you knowledge!!
My sony vaio is equiped with windows XP family package, a cd/dvd writer and
no floppy disk My hard disk was split in 2 partitions "c" and "d". Because I
need to run a program in dos for my job, I tried to load win98 on the hard
disk. I ran the installation CD of win 98 being very carefull not to make any
mistake which would erase my HD. The system detected anoter version of
windows and asked me if I wanted to go over it or keep it and write a new
windows version where there was enough room on the HD. I answered to keep the
old version and have a double boot. Then it asked me to format
C...strange?!?! I said no and quit the installation process. But now, my
computer doesn't start and shows "error loading operating system". With xp
installation disk I was able to see that "d" still exist, "c" also but is
given error when trying to "DIR". And there is now a disk "E".
Is there a solution to solve this? I tried formatting "C" but I receive an
error message.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Jon Erlandson]

It's likely your disc was originally formatted for NTFS and when you
attempted to install '98, which only supports FAT32 or FAT16 (without 3rd
party drivers,) the partition required reformatting. Since you've attempted
to reformat c:, it sounds to me like your best bet is to erase the
partitions, reformat and start over. You can use your recovery console by
entering the command "diskpart /delete E:" and again "diskpart /delete D:"
then enter "Format C: /q /fs:ntfs" or use the hard disc eraser listed below
and then reformat the drive.

Active@ Kill Disk - Hard Drive Eraser
http://www.killdisk.com/

Beginners Guide to Running DOS Games/Applications on Windows XP/2000
http://sysopt.earthweb.com/articles/RunningOldGames/

 

[Guest]

Thanks Jon,

You right, my partition was NTFS. I answered no to the reformat question ,
but obviously something went wrong.
I did what you said on partition E. Then reinstalled windows XP, and
everything works fine. I then inspected the D partition, and it was ok so I
didn't touch it. Now everything works fine. I just have a piece of work
reloading all the updates., but at least the important stuff on D is saved!
Thanks for your help, have a nice week end!
JP Mélon

 

[Alex Nichol]

You right, my partition was NTFS. I answered no to the reformat question ,
but obviously something went wrong.

Then you need the Win98 startup floppy and its FDISK to 'delete non DOS
partition' and make a new FAT 32 one for the Win98. You might keep it
fairly small and then try installing an XP in its own partition
alongside. That is easy with a retail XP CD, I don't know how well the
Sony one will co-operate, though they are better than some OEM builders