I need to format the hard drive on a laptop for work. It
has Windows 2000 on it. Can anyone help me do this? The
regular FORMAT C:\ doesn't work because it says it's
being used.
Anyone??? Help???
Thanks so much
**BEFORE STARTING**
======================
Print or save instructions. Read through a couple times. If something is unclear, please ask
someone that knows. Make notes concerning internet connections, other instructions needed
(such as how to import and export favorites and address books). Make note as you go, so that
when you get ready to do a clean install again, you can refresh your memory. When asking
questions, please learn and use proper information to receive the help you need. Keep all
data and software free of dust and any foodstuffs. You may not need all of these
instructions, tools, or materials, but it's difficult to outguess the knowledge and skill
level that fits everyone.
**PREPARATION SECTION**
======================
TO BEGIN:
-RULE -If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
-RULE -Spiral pad, good notes, date, set time to work.
-RULE -No interruptions.
-RULE -Suspend all rules for spouse.
BE PREPARED
) (a good mood)
-Gather all of your software, including the "key" numbers
-Get current drivers for all Hardware (incl. BIOS for MoBo)
-Get all tools (include static strap, flashlight, magnifying glass,compressed air,
soft eraser, etc.)
-Get all materials (Screw Drivers, pliers, electrical tape,
From Experience the Hard Way. (Not learning enough from others wisdom, and not being fully
prepared before starting)
*REMOVE - ALL data, Favorites, Bookmarks, Address book, mIRC ini files, images, ToDo
Lists, Music, DVD's, fonts, Media, etc.
*Always make sure you are static equal. (wear protection[static strap], or touch
PSupply case with power OFF, but plugged in)(before working in the box)
NOTE: Don't need a course to complete a clean install, but to keep your frustration level
down, it's worth lining your ducks up in a row before beginning.
To help, you might just want to start by doing the following:
-Print Instructions, and follow them. (Or use Murphy's Law)
-Print or Write out Hardware list. (MoBo, CPU, RAM, HDD, Floppy, CD-ROM, Video,
Audio, Modem, LAN, etc.)
-Allow 30 minutes quiet time after each time you work to recover.
======================
**FDISK SECTION**
======================
TO FDISK OR NOT:
-New HDD - YES
-Basic Partition - YES
-OS Upgrade - Usually
-regular FORMAT: NOT necessary
-Required Min. HDD Space -(10 gig W2KSP4+IE6+OE6)(2 gig NTSP6)(500meg
ME,98se,98fe)(300meg 95b,95,3.11)
*Note - Double minimum HHD space, if a separate partition is used for OS and
applications.
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FDISK Tips: Option 4 looks at present partitions, press Esc.; Option 3 "only" to delete
partitions.
Delete order - NON-DOS,Logical,Extended, and finally Primary; use Exc. to exit.
Option 1 - Create Basic partition for OS and data on one drive.
Option 1 - Create ONE Primary partition for two or more partitions.(multiple Primaries
needed only to add Linux, etc.)
===========
===========
How to FDISK:
-Boot system with W98se Bootdisk (
www.Bootdisk.com)
-At A:\ prompt type FDISK, enter.
-Choose "Y" for "large disk" for 95b,98se,ME,NT4,W2K,XP (enables FAT32)
-Use "Basic" for a single partition (Primary Active partition)
-Set Primary active to "adequate size" (Logical, and extended can be resized)
-Press "Esc."
-Power down with switch.
{Note: You run FDISK, just to look, like first time, "without changes", with no adverse
effect; use Esc. to exit}
(There four choices in FDISK; you can take a look at them w/o fear of screwing up. Just
don't delete anything)
===========
===========
FRESH INSTALL is BEST, if "DATA" NOT NEEDED.
-ERASES EVERYTHING- (within DOD standards)
*You probably don't need to FDISK, unless the current HDD has "multiple" partitions.
*If it does, Boot from 98se bootdisk, type FDISK, press ENTER, use Basic partition (one
partition only for everything).
*Shutdown the power.
To erase the HDD, you Format the HDD.
======================
**Format Section**
======================
Format the Hard Disk:
*You can use your hard disk only after FORMAT. -->(New HDD or after FDISK)
Format as follows:
1. Boot computer into WS-DOS using your Boot Disk. (
www.bootdisk.com)
2. At the "A" prompt (A:\) type the following:
format c: /u /c /s (assume "c:\" <drive letter>)
Command Legend:
/u= Unconditional Format - ignores deleted cluster fragments
/c= Re-tests currently marked bad clusters for recovery
/s= Transfers necessary system files so disk can boot
3. Type "Y" for yes, press Enter to proceed with format.
4. Once format is complete, type a volume label if you want one and press ENTER.
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How to Install 98se
http://www.basichardware.com/how_tos.html
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How to Install Win-ME
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/indexwinme.htm
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How to install W2K
http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/answerstips/jump/0,24331,3346825,00.html
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If you have any problems
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;277552
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Fresh Install W2K
**Note: For a Clean Install of W2K w/SP4, IE6 w/OE6, and a normal amount of applications on
one partition, allow "10 gig" min. for your OS partition, unless you intend to
make it a "basic" partition.
To remove/change partitioning use a Win98 boot disk in Command Prompt:
type "FDISK" ...and remove all partitions
Shutdown Power(turn computer OFF)
Fresh install w/o changing or after setting the partitions:
Boot with Win2000 or XP Boot disks into Command Prompt:
"type" format c: /u /c /s -->follow prompts
Command Legend:
/u= Unconditional Format - ignores deleted cluster fragments
/c= Re-tests currently marked bad clusters for recovery
/s= Transfers necessary system files so disk can boot
Restart with Win2000/XP startup disks and it will walk you through the install.
Incomplete as it's going to be.
Under this is another little outline to help with installation.
You might want to read through it.
Note: Extra material for after install
Setting Group Policy to Complex Password Requirements
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;225230&Product=win2000