How do I FORMAT?

[FXGuy3369]

Ok this is probably a really stupid newb question. I have a machine running windows xp. I have no boot disks, etc. How can I format the hard drive? Is there a way to get to a DOS prompt and run fdisk?

 

[Adul]

You can format with the windows XP install disk. Just boot from the CD ROM

or go to boot.com for your boot disk needs. there's even a cd boot disk i believe,

 

[FXGuy3369]

ummmm...... boot.com sells leather boots

 

[biostud]

Uhm, boot from your winXP disk and format. Or if you want to install a new OS it probably comes with an option to format.

 

[FXGuy3369]

When I boot from my xp disk it hits the point and asks if I want to delete the existing partition I choose yes and it says it cant because it contains necessary setup files

 

[jonnyGURU]

He meant bootdisk.com....

But all you should have to do is boot from your XP CD and tell it to remove exisitng partitioons.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Originally posted by: FXGuy3369
When I boot from my xp disk it hits the point and asks if I want to delete the existing partition I choose yes and it says it cant because it contains necessary setup files

Do you have an actual XP CD or do you have a recovery disk for a brand name machine (Dell, HP, etc.)??

 

[FXGuy3369]

Its an actual xp pro corporate disk

 

[FXGuy3369]

Ok I let it ge a little farther into install and it gave me the option again to erase previous windows. Thanks guys!

 

[Richardito]

Originally posted by: FXGuy3369
Ok I let it ge a little farther into install and it gave me the option again to erase previous windows. Thanks guys!

You can also use the WD, seagate or Maxtor CD that came with the HD to format it before the install.

 

[madthumbs]

Right click on "my computer", choose "manage", go into disk manager and right click on the drive you want to format. You don't need fdisk in windows xp either. You can partition with the disk manager as well. If you want to prepare the drive for a new OS install, most OS's now have the option during setup to format the drive, though it's entirely unnecessary if you just want to reinstall xp. Xp also has the option to delete the old windows if you attempt to install it on the same drive / partition/ folder.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: FXGuy3369
Its an actual xp pro corporate disk

Then you ASK THE ADMINISTRATOR to do it for you.

 

[madthumbs]

lmao...

How'd he get it from the admin?