Erasing all files during WinXP Pro SP2 Install

[x1v]

I popped in my WinXP Pro SP2 CD to reinstall the OS and format the drive. Usually, when I put the Windows XP Pro CD without SP2 in, it would give me an option to format the drive. However, now I do NOT get that option. How do I format my hard drive, and then reinstall Windows XP Pro SP2? I have no floppy drive.

 

[x1v]

bump 🙁

 

[stash]

What happens when you use the XP SP2 CD?

 

[x1v]

It works fine, I get to the point where it tells me that I can create windows in the existing folder, or in the unpart. space. I select the existing folder..and usually it gives me the option to format in NTFS quick and NTFS regular. It is not giving me that option now.

 

[imported_LoKe]

What's it giving you? Are you sure you're not doing a repair install? When it shows you the partition table, usually there's a button you can press to delete.

 

[stash]

Originally posted by: x1v
It works fine, I get to the point where it tells me that I can create windows in the existing folder, or in the unpart. space. I select the existing folder..and usually it gives me the option to format in NTFS quick and NTFS regular. It is not giving me that option now.

I don't think so. Why would it give you the option to format if you want to install into the existing folder?

When you get the part about the existing Windows install, hit escape, and you should see the partitioning screen.

 

[x1v]

Yeah, when I try to delete the existing partion (where windows currently is) it tells me it cannot becuase temporary files from it are in use. I am trying to reinstall windows and DELETE everything on my hard drive. It has never ever been this complicated I just don't get it.

 

[ebaycj]

Recovery console FTW

 

[x1v]

What about recovery console? I just ran through setup again and there was no option to format..what the? This is the weirdest problem ever.

 

[AsianriceX]

Easiest way is using a HD wiping util for a second to make the current data on the drive invalid.

Grab DBAN at http://dban.sourceforge.net
Run it for a few seconds
Boot up WinXP install CD
Have fun!

 

[stash]

Yeah, when I try to delete the existing partion (where windows currently is) it tells me it cannot becuase temporary files from it are in use.

The only time that should happen is if you are running setup from Windows. If you boot off the CD, you should not get this message.

 

[x1v]

I will give this a try. Thanks.