How do I format my hard drive with XP

Sep 22, 2003
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I have XP as the os on my hd and I have let it go to hell. I want to format but it's not the same as 98 obviously. can anyone give me a hint?
 
Sep 22, 2003
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BTW, it is an NTFS format. Also, I read somewhere that you could use a Windows 98 startup disk to access f-disk and it's all gravy from there. Has anyone tried this?
 

NogginBoink

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2002
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If you want to format-and-reinstall, just boot to the XP install CD. You'll be given a chance to partition and format during text mode setup.

If you want to format a data drive, right click My Computer, choose Manage, and go to disk management.
 

badet77

Guest
Sep 28, 2003
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Originally posted by: PRESIDENTEJEREMY
BTW, it is an NTFS format. Also, I read somewhere that you could use a Windows 98 startup disk to access f-disk and it's all gravy from there. Has anyone tried this?

I have, just delete the non-dos partition. If you want to install 98 just create a regular partition.
 
Sep 22, 2003
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I dont want to just reinstall windows xp. That is what the cd rom allows you to do. I want to completely erase all data off of my hard drive and then install xp from scratch. I also dont want to install windows 98. But I have read that you could use a 98 boot disk to completely erase all data off of the hard drive.
 

lowtech1

Diamond Member
Mar 9, 2000
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Boot off your XP CD & follow the instruction on screen to Del, Create, and format partition.
 

badet77

Guest
Sep 28, 2003
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You can erase the partitions using a win98 bootdisk. But the WinXP cd will allow you to do that too. You can delete the partition and format the hard drive.