"format a:" -> volume in use by another process

[Bill Freeburg]

I'm trying to format a floppy. I open the command window and enter "format
a:"

XP answers "Process cannot run because the volume is in use by another
process. Format may run if this volume is dismounted first. ALL OPEN
HANDLES TO THIS VOLUME WOULD THEN BE INVALID Would you like to force a
dismount of this volume? (Y/N)." and entereing "Y" gets a response of
"Cannot lock the drive. The volume is still in use."

How do I figure out what or who is using the volume? I've installed all
windows updates. I've tried resetting the computer. I'm running XPpro.

In the last month I've added a tape drive, and added and removed tape backup
software.
I first noticed a problem when I tried to backup my quicken onto floppies,
something I've done many times.
And if I restore to a system restore point of a month or two ago, what
happens to all my applications and data?

Thanks,
Bill Freeburg

 

[Haus]

Hello
Try to just put the floppy in and the double click My Computer, Right Click
A Drive then click format, choose quick format and OK.

 

[Bill Freeburg]

Haus - I got a similar message under windows. Experimenting revealed that
it was just a bad floppy. Why bad media gave a "volume in use" errror I'll
never know.
Thanks,
Bill

 

[Haus]

You are welcome
But it doesn't look like I helped much.
I don't use A drive much, but I got a zip disk that is bad and I can not get
the information off it or even see if it has anything important on it.
Glad you found the problem.