Re-Formatting Hard Drive

[=.RLM.=]

In my attempt to re-format a Western Digital 20G hard drive, I have
totally messed it up and can't access even enough HD space to restore my
HP 6360 - AMDk6-2 366mhz using the "restore" software that I received
when I purchased it.

I have tried to use a shareware program similar called "BootItNG" to
re-partion the HD. I couldn't even SEE the space allocations.

Is there a way that I can totally re-format this 20G HD and start all
over? I really hate to have to toss what used to be a perfectly good HD
if I don't have to.

Thanks for your help . . .

Richard

 

[Alceryes]

Computer mfg's LOVE to mess with the boot record. I'm guessing that the
re-partitioning software wasn't able to cope.
Boot from an ms-dos floppy and type 'fdisk /mbr' at the command prompt (it
doesn't normally give any response that it did anything) then try rebooting
and using the standard 'fdisk' command and remove and recreate the
partitions. Then try the system restore disks.
You may also be able to run the system restore without re-creating the
partitions.
--


"I don't cheat to survive. I cheat to LIVE!!"

- Alceryes

 

[=.RLM.=]

A:

I have done what you suggested and here are the results:

On a 20G HD:

Fat 16 (2.1GB)
Fat 16 (2.1GM)
Fat 16 (108MB)

BIOS date: 10/30/98
Conventional Memory: 637K
Extended Memory: 192,444K
IO Channel Type: PCI
..........

What if anything can I do to open this disk up to report the TOTAL disk
space of 20G?

Thanks,

Richard
______________________________________________________________

 

[Alceryes]

You're using Windows 98 or higher right? Boot off the floppy and delete all
partitions and create just one. When you first start 'fdisk' it may ask you
about treating your hard drive as a large volume (or disk). You MUST answer
yes. You should be able to create 1, 20 GB FAT32 partition.
--


"I don't cheat to survive. I cheat to LIVE!!"

- Alceryes

 

[Ralph Mowery]

In my attempt to re-format a Western Digital 20G hard drive, I have
totally messed it up and can't access even enough HD space to restore my
HP 6360 - AMDk6-2 366mhz using the "restore" software that I received
when I purchased it.

I have tried to use a shareware program similar called "BootItNG" to
re-partion the HD. I couldn't even SEE the space allocations.

Is there a way that I can totally re-format this 20G HD and start all
over? I really hate to have to toss what used to be a perfectly good HD
if I don't have to.

Go to the WD site and download their program that boots off a floppy disk
and wipe the drive clean and reformat it .

 

[Barbara]

If nothing else works, you might try a low-level format. (Then partition and
format).

You may hear or read a bunch of crap about doing this and what it entails,
but whenever I have run into serious problems with drive recognition or
partition recognition, it has worked.

I use a program you can get. It's marketed by Maxtor, it'll work on any ATA
drive.

If you go the LLF route, read here,
http://www.ameriwebs.net/groupworks/index.html
(or do a Google).

Apparently there's a utility for Western Digital available too.

They either offer direct downloads of the utilities or they provide links.

Be advised that as far as the Maxtor utility and the PowerMax diskette go -
don't get the full diskette mixed up with just the LLF utility. They are
separate. The diskette could actually diagnose your drive and help you to
install it. The LLF utility is good for just that, LLFing a drive.

Don't forget to post your answer when you find it.

 

[=.RLM.=]

Barbara,

You have been most helpful. I found the utility on a Maxtor
installation CD that I had after previously purchasing a Maxtor HD a
while back. It allows me to create a diagnostic & utilities floppy disk.
I have done that and am currently running the LLF on the WD. I'll
follow up soon on the results that I am able to achieve with it.

Thanks so much!

Richard
.............................

 

[=.RLM.=]

Success!

Thank you so much for your help!

I did the LLF. And after re-formatting the drive & restoring the
factory software, I am up and running.

You all have been very helpful & I appreciate that.

Richard
.........................