How do you format in WinXp?

[Deftones94x]

I right click on c: in my computer and it says gives me an error like something is busy.

I goto cmd prompt, format c:

Then it says cannot format because of a dismount or something using the volume, I chose yes to format and it gives me an error there.

What do i need to do?

 

[rkoenn]

I presume you are installing a "clean" copy of XP on the system? If so, boot from the CD and it will give you the option to format during the installation. It will also give you options for leaving the existing file system intact and possibly for reinstalling on top of the previous installation. But you will have the option of reformatting and also refdisking the system if you like. Hope this answers the question. With XP you can also choose to use FAT32 if you desire. You cannot however do things like you used to do under the old DOS prompt.

 

[Aeremis]

I think the solution you're looking for if you're trying to reformat and put a diff OS other than XP is to try this:

Goto Bootdisk.com and get the windows 98 SE bootdisk creator. Nice little util that automatically formats a floppy for you and puts all necessary files onto that disk. Also if you're like me and have created like 50 win 98 boot disks already and keep losing them, this is a nice way to keep a back up some where else =) GL with ur Format.

 

[microAmp]

Originally posted by: rkoenn
I presume you are installing a "clean" copy of XP on the system? If so, boot from the CD and it will give you the option to format during the installation. It will also give you options for leaving the existing file system intact and possibly for reinstalling on top of the previous installation. But you will have the option of reformatting and also refdisking the system if you like. Hope this answers the question. With XP you can also choose to use FAT32 if you desire. You cannot however do things like you used to do under the old DOS prompt.

Also seems you are trying to format while running Windows or the DOS Shell, shouldn't be done that away.

Do what rkoenn said, don't forget to back up anyting remotely important, Address book, favorites, pics.......