How do i format with Win ME?

[puddy3000]

I have tried to format my C drive using the "FORMAT C: /s" and it tells me that windows no longer supports the "/s" command. I need to know how to clear my hard drive and keep the system fils still on there so i can start up the computer.

 

[Blayze]

have you tryed to boot from a Win98 boot disk?

 

[puddy3000]

yes i have tried that. it doesnt recognize it. and ive tried switching out the boot disk after the boot was complete to see if the win98 disk would work but it didnt.

 

[claw]

Basically, you can't... it really sucks. When trying to take out DOS, they removed many useful features.

BTW, you can't do a format c: and then a sys c: either. sys doesn't create the boot files anymore, instead, it copies them from your hard drive, which you just formatted so it is no longer there.

Basically the only way to do it is either use a Windows 98 boot disk (my preferred method... if you don't have one, go to http://www.bootdisk.com) or create a startup disk in Windows ME and use it to boot your computer. After which, format c: and then you'll need the Windows ME CD to restore system files.

 

[claw]

What do you mean the boot disk isn't recognized? Make sure your BIOS is set to check your floppy drive first rather than the hard drive. The boot disk should work regardless of what OS you have on your hard drive.

 

[puddy3000]

ok thanks. ill try that. now what command do you use once you've formated everything to copy the system files from the cd to your hard drive?

 

[claw]

Well, basically, you'll have to run setup from the CD. If you run setup though, it will install all of Windows ME, not just the bare essentials to get a DOS prompt. Windows ME tries very hard to NEVER give you the DOS prompt. If you really want the DOS prompt when booting from C, use a Windows 98 boot disk.