How do I reformat my hard drive??

[Guest]

This sounds like a simple question under any other
version of windows, but now with XP professional
installed, I want to reformat my hard drive and re
install XP. However, I cannot make any headway. I have
tried reformatting throuhg windows, but I receive the
message that the drive is in use. I have tried creating a
system disk, and on start up, I am given an A: prompt,
but I cannot change directories to format c:...can anyone
offer me some advice or a website that may help me?

thanks in advance

Mark

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Mark;
Clean Installation
Disconnect all peripherals (camera, printer, scanner, etc)
Disconnect network/modem cable.
Go to BIOS and set CDROM as boot device before hard drive.
Insert Windows XP CD and reboot.
At "Press any key to boot to CDROM" quickly press a key and follow the
prompts for a Clean installation:
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
Delete all partitions in step 5 if you desire to erase all data on the
hard drive.
Partitioning and formatting will be done automatically.
All data will be destroyed, back-up important data first.

Enable or install firewall BEFORE connecting network cable.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673

Install ALL Critical Windows Updates:
Start/All Programs/Windows Update

After you are finished, you will need to load the appropriate drivers.

If your computer was shipped with Windows XP, these procedures may or
may not apply.
Check your manual or contact the computer manufacturer for more
details.

 

[Guest]

-----Original Message-----
This sounds like a simple question under any other
version of windows, but now with XP professional
installed, I want to reformat my hard drive and re
install XP. However, I cannot make any headway. I have
tried reformatting throuhg windows, but I receive the
message that the drive is in use. I have tried creating a
system disk, and on start up, I am given an A: prompt,
but I cannot change directories to format c:...can anyone
offer me some advice or a website that may help me?

thanks in advance

Mark
.

Boot from your Windows CD, press a key when it asks to
boot from the CD. Press enter to install Windows then you
can select the partitions to delete, create, or format.