Can't Format Hard Drive?

[scottvsmith]

So, I am trying to format my hard drive, I get an error that I can't delete partition due to some set up files that I need to use. A friend told me to use a boot disk. Well, I don't own one. Any other suggestions? I don't know what I would do without you guys!

Thanks, Scott:hammer:

[SegiY]

Are you trying to format from windows again???

[scottvsmith]

No , I am trying to off of the CD like you suggested. When I go to delete partition, it won't let me.....

[scottvsmith]

Suggestions anyone?

[bigjackusa]

You can make a boot disk in xp, but xp doesn't have fdisk. Your friend may have a boot disk if he suggested using one. As an alternative, here's a link where you can download a file that will make a complete set (6) of floppys that will let you boot to the Winxp setup.

http://www.techtips4u.com/downloads/

[scottvsmith]

After downloading the "boot disks" , how do I go about deleting the partition? Do I delete the partition with the disks? I am not really understanding this process. Sorry for my "greenness"....Thank you for all of you guys' help.......

[Mr. C]

Everything you need is available through MSKB article 313348 .
There is lankage there to every aspect of the format and partitioning process as it applies to XP.

All the basics are at good 'ol article 255867 , go ahead and print that one. It's about 15 pages and takes you through the basics step by step.

another good reason to print it is so you have the MSKB article # handy when people ask - I've passed this one on a good number of times

You're gonn'a be fine dood:thumb:

[scottvsmith]

Okay that Worked....Again, thanks to all of you for 'Teaching" me to fix my puter. IOU 3X Okay that Worked....Again, thanks to all of you for 'Teaching" me to fix my puter. IOU 3X Okay that Worked....Again, thanks to all of you for 'Teaching" me to fix my puter. IOU 3X[/SIZE] [B]Okay that Worked....Again, thanks to all of you for 'Teaching" me to fix my puter. IOU 3X

[Corbinator]

Sorry for jumping in the thread, but I got a question on my setup.

I got (2) ard drives, my BIOS see's them both, XP setup saw them both, device manager under XP sees them both and shows them both as working. However, when I go to 'My Computer' it only lists the first one, is that a formating issue? Brand new drives, never been used. TIA

[Mr. C]

Have you formatted the drive (the one Windows is not installed on)?