How do I format a drive within Windows XP Pro?

[jakobkraft]

I've never tried to do a full system restore before on this PC (which I've had for 2 years now) and was stumped when I got to the Setup screen and saw that it wasn't detecting my Seagate 160GB SATA HD. But when I restarted I was able to get into Windows with no problem at all.

I only wanted to do a full format and reinstall because my system was starting to act sluggish and I figured it would be a good thing to do. But it's greatly distressing to know I couldn't do it even if I had to.

Is there a utility that would format a drive while IN Windows?
Any help would be greatly appreciated - thanks...!

 

[Matthias99]

I've never tried to do a full system restore before on this PC (which I've had for 2 years now) and was stumped when I got to the Setup screen and saw that it wasn't detecting my Seagate 160GB SATA HD. But when I restarted I was able to get into Windows with no problem at all.

Did you supply SATA drivers via hitting F6 when prompted? If it's an old WinXP CD (without SP2), it probably doesn't have drivers for your onboard SATA controller. You'll either need to slipstream them in, or provide them when prompted via floppy.

Is there a utility that would format a drive while IN Windows?
Any help would be greatly appreciated - thanks...!

Disk Management console FTW. Can't format the boot drive, though.

 

[scottws]

Yep, definatly a RAID/SATA/SCSI driver issue. You need to get your SATA drivers on a floppy and press F6 near the very beginning of Windows Setup, as mentioned.

Or you can use something like nLite to make a Windows XP disc that has the drivers built in (among other things).

 

[Audiofight]

nLite is an awesome little utility for slipstreaming drivers and patches, etc.

Either look in the mobo box for a SATA driver floppy (sometimes included) or else make one quick.

Then, at the very beginning, make sure you hit F6 so that setup will ask you for a driver in regards to your onboard sata drive.