WinXP format HDD

  • Thread starter Thread starter dave
  • Start date Start date
D

dave

Hi,

I have been trying to format my laptop HDD using the WinXP disk. I
insert the cd and follow the instructions for a new installation. When
I am prompted to select 'D' to delete the partition (I only have 1, C:)
it says that it cannot as there are setup files loaded onto the
partition I am trying to delete.

I have tried altering the boot sequence from floppy to cd to HDD in all
combinations with no luck.

During the setup it lists the source and destination of the setup
files. The source is D:\i386 and the destination is \WINDOWS.

Is this the problem?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Dave.
 
You don't want to delete the partition - you just want to re-format the C:\
drive; is there not an option to do that?
 
In
Jerry said:
You don't want to delete the partition - you just want to re-format
the C:\ drive; is there not an option to do that?
Click to expand...

Yes, he wants to delete the partition, but he needs to do it from booting
from the XP CD.
But do you really need to reformat?
You boot from the CD and do a clean install.
Click on or copy and paste the link below into your web browser address bar.
How to clean install XP.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
I have been trying to format my laptop HDD using the WinXP disk. I
This is because the setup-prgram actually runs from a temporary folder on C:
- it has to do things this way as the files in the I386 folder are
compressed, and have to be unpacked. Hence it can't allow you to zap C:
whilst it's running.

To format the disk (or remove the partition) you need another OS that can
run wihtout writing to C: - DOS is the obvious choice, although BartPE or
Knoppix are more capable. If you really do want to start again with a clean
slate, then use DOS FDISK to remove the partition. The XP setup will offer
to re-create it when you boot from the CD.

In case there is the slightest doubt, I'll reiterate that EVERYTHING will be
removed if you do this, and I mean everything. Not trying to be
condescending, but seen far too many cases in the past where that fact just
didn't sink in. BTW you may need manufacturer's drivers for some of the
hardware so best check this aspect out while it's still running. The
hardware manager will give you a list of what's fitted, never a bad idea to
take a note of the display type, model of modem, soundchip, etc.
 
In
Ian said:
This is because the setup-prgram actually runs from a temporary
folder on C: - it has to do things this way as the files in the I386
folder are compressed, and have to be unpacked. Hence it can't allow
you to zap C: whilst it's running.

To format the disk (or remove the partition) you need another OS that
can run wihtout writing to C: - DOS is the obvious choice, although
BartPE or Knoppix are more capable. If you really do want to start
again with a clean slate, then use DOS FDISK to remove the partition.
The XP setup will offer to re-create it when you boot from the CD.

In case there is the slightest doubt, I'll reiterate that EVERYTHING
will be removed if you do this, and I mean everything. Not trying to
be condescending, but seen far too many cases in the past where that
fact just didn't sink in. BTW you may need manufacturer's drivers for
some of the hardware so best check this aspect out while it's still
running. The hardware manager will give you a list of what's fitted,
never a bad idea to take a note of the display type, model of modem,
soundchip, etc.
Click to expand...

It can be done by booting from the XP CD, no need to use anything else.
See my step by step.
How to clean install XP.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
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