Re-formatting HDD prior to installing Windows XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tony Codd
  • Start date Start date
T

Tony Codd

I want to re-format my entire hard disk drive prior to
installing WindowsXP.
When I insert the WindowsXP CD-ROM it will not allow me to
delete the existing partion which contains Windows 2000
PRO and installs WindowsXP as a seperate operating system
and gives me dual boot up facility between XP and 2000Pro
(Which I dont want)
In the old days I would have created a bootable floppy
disk with the DOS Format programme contained thereon.
Can I copy the Format programme from the WindowsXP
installation disk and if so where do I find it on the disk.
Would this work or can I over-ride WindowsXP in some way
and have it format my hard disk from the WindowsXP CD-ROM.
Many thanks
Tony
 
Follow this procedure for installation:

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary
to partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow
Windows XP to partition and format your drive:

NOTE: It would be best to physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware
devices, except the monitor, mouse and keyboard, before installing XP.

1. Open your BIOS and set your "CD Drive as the first bootable device".

===> Accessing Motherboard BIOS
===> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. After Windows XP is installed, visit the Windows Update website
and download the available "Critical Updates".

7. After installing the critical updates, be sure and visit the support website
of the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any
available Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter
and audio drivers.

8. If you happen to run into any installation difficulties, use the following resources:

How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;310064

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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|I want to re-format my entire hard disk drive prior to
| installing WindowsXP.
| When I insert the WindowsXP CD-ROM it will not allow me to
| delete the existing partion which contains Windows 2000
| PRO and installs WindowsXP as a seperate operating system
| and gives me dual boot up facility between XP and 2000Pro
| (Which I dont want)
| In the old days I would have created a bootable floppy
| disk with the DOS Format programme contained thereon.
| Can I copy the Format programme from the WindowsXP
| installation disk and if so where do I find it on the disk.
| Would this work or can I over-ride WindowsXP in some way
| and have it format my hard disk from the WindowsXP CD-ROM.
| Many thanks
| Tony
|
|
 
I had the same problem. Your Windows partition 2000 is needed during the install, as some files for setup from the CD are copied to it. After XP install is complete you can delete the partition: Start, Control Panel, Performance and maintenance,Administrative tools, Coputer Management,double click the Storage on the right pane,, disk management(local), and you can partition there, delete Win 2000 by right clicking on the Partition in the graph on the bottom of the screen (partition window), then click Delete.
 
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