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[SOLVED ... kind of] How do you format C drive?

T

TheNiceGuy

Golden Member
I have a damaged XP SP2 on my C:. I also have a D: data drive I want to leave alone as is. If I follow the original setup proceedure-
1) install drivers/apps from mobo CD.
2) install XP.

Problem is, the mobo cd won't autorun like it did originaly. I tried to format C using the XP disks, hitting esc, and choosing format option, but it didn't seem to format - just remove a partition I think.
How?
 
Most makes of harddrives have software you can download from there sites.

They work good if you have two drives or in a diffrent system with the drive.
 
Originally posted by: TheNiceGuy
I have a damaged XP SP2 on my C:. I also have a D: data drive I want to leave alone as is. If I follow the original setup proceedure-
1) install drivers/apps from mobo CD.
2) install XP.

Problem is, the mobo cd won't autorun like it did originaly. I tried to format C using the XP disks, hitting esc, and choosing format option, but it didn't seem to format - just remove a partition I think.
How?
Click to expand...

Remove the C: partition, then create a new partition in the unallocated space. format and you're gtg.
 
Is there an easy way to access DOS? I keep having to monkey around with different disks.
Also, I just tried a quick format - still showing Windows error at startup and not autorunning my mobo CD. I am now trying 'long' format.
 
OK, this is getting weird.
I just did a looong format of the C drive. After restart it is still showing an "NTLDR is missing" error. Is it because of the data drive (D🙂? Should I unplug it?
Whats going on?
 
You were already told what to do!

Just put the XP CD in and reboot. It will ask you to press any key to boot from CD. If it does not, go to your BIOS and make it bootable from the CD drive.

XP will ask you what you want to do. Ask it to delete C and confirm. make sure you do not delete D!
Then, create a new drive in the unallocated space that was just created by deleting C.
Then, install XP on the newly created drive.
 
And as i mentioned above!
1) install drivers/apps from mobo CD.
2) install XP.

Problem is, the mobo cd won't autorun like it did originaly.

I have formated C 3 times, using all available format options, including the one you just mentioned! I must install drivers BEFORE Windows. I cannot install drivers!

In the hours i have wasted on this I even tried installing Windows without the drivers - ending in errors.
 
Thanks MicroA-
I installed ok. But on restarting, I still got the original NTDLR missing error.

Any idea whats going on?
 
Originally posted by: TheNiceGuy
Thanks MicroA-
I installed ok. But on restarting, I still got the original NTDLR missing error.

Any idea whats going on?
Click to expand...

Is the CD ROM drive the first in the boot priority list in the BIOS? It should be.
Is the hard drive the second in the list? It should be.
Do you have a way to backup D? Like do you have a working computer that you can connect the drive to as slave? If you do, backup D.
Did you reboot to install XP or did you just put the XP CD in and followed the instructions? It is easier if you reboot.

Start the XP installation by rebooting with the XP CD in. Ask it to delete C. Then, ask it to install XP on C. It will offer you to format. Go ahead and format. Install. After reboot, if XP starts, take care of the firewall and virus scanner and windows updates.
Only then, should you worry about the drivers.

If your XP is pre SP1, you should definitely slipstream SP1 and preferably SP2 before connecting to the net.

How did SP become corrupt? How did you exactly install XP last when it complained about NTLDR?
How were the partitions set up? Do you have a third party utility like Partition Magic? Is C active?

The possibility that you lose the data on D exists. Back it up if you can.

Edit:
How many physical hard drives are connected?
If more than one, disconnect all except the one you want to become XP before you start.
 
hehe... Last week I weeding out a bunch of crap installed on my C drive and accidentally deleted my NTLDR.

I did a Google search and found a quick solution using the repair option during windows setup. After a few painless DOS commands I retrieved the file from my XP CD. and all is good.
 
HI Navid-
Ok, last night after i posted the above, I insatlled all the newest drivers I had (on my data drive) to C drive. I am a bit worried about these as They are from 3 different sources I had to track down myself - Leadtek, Asus, and nVidia. I hope they aren't conflicting or double installing some of the drivers. Anyways, they are as follows, and I installed them in this order:
1) Chipset_64
2) nforce_6.39
3) 66.93 (nvidia corp)
4) W2K_ALL_6703 Leadtek
5) nTune 2005 v.20 (application)

At this point my internet connection was recognized, and I was able to update Windows (only a few updates neede as I have MCE 2005). Now somewhere along the line of drivers and updates, the "NTLDR" error disappeared, and all was well. I also updated BIOS from 1003 to 1004 at this point. I had installed NV firewall (I think I have to,tostall the interent drivers) but completely disabled it due to using XP firewall. As usualattempts to install my KAV failed.BIOS always asks for RAID at startup.
Anyway, this mornig I turn it on to write this message to you, and I get the original "Disk read eror" in BIOS startup. After disabling Silicon SATA controller in BIOS, it changes to an "NTLDR" error. I was only able to boot windows by using a boot disk.


Anyways, your questions:
-"Removable" was first by default, I cahnged this to CD, then HD a few minitues ago.
-I have some of D backed up on a second PC, and thats about the best I can do right now.
-I rebooted-install, as well as a few other types! I've tryed several complete format/install options!

-This NTLDR error came out of nowhere. I've been up and running for about 6 weeks. I have no partitions on either disk. The only possible causes I can think of are: installing 2 'all in one' codec packs, and then trying to uninstall them. After install, some of my other programs (SoundForge, nTune, etc) required reinstall before I could use them again, due to missing files; I turned off Silicon SATA controler in BIOS to get rid of the RAID options at startup; I had to system restore after Windows update due to disk instability about 2 weeks ago.
That's really all I can think of, besides having 2 sets of drivers installed accidentaly a long time ago, as I mentioned above.

-there are the 2 drives in my sig. Why disconnect? I think setup will name my optical D and 2nd HD E if I do that.

Any idea whats going on?

XBASSMAN- what "painless DOS commands?" I could use a painkiller right now!
 
XBASSMAN- what "painless DOS commands?" I could use a painkiller right now!
Click to expand...
Well, here is what worked in my situation.....

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Enter in the administrator password when requested
Enter in the following commands (X: is replaced by the actual drive letter that is assigned to the CD ROM drive.
COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\:
COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:
Take out the CD ROM and type exit

Actually I had to retrieve a few more files also.... 😱
Google is your friend 😉

More info here: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=320397
 
Thanks for the link!
What's this Bcupdate2 utility they're talking about. And why would a fresh install have root fragment problems? It seems like something that occurs from heavy useage.
 
Unfortunately, I don't have experience with RAID.
I missed that originally or may be you did not include it in your description.

Anyway,
Send a private message to MrChad. He is quite knowledgeable. See if he has any suggestions.
 
Hey NiceGuy,

Based on the fact that the NTLDR message keeps appearing then disappearing, I would first download SeaTools and run some diagnostic tests on your hard drives. That will eliminate a potential hardware issue.

Let me know what your results are.
 
back now-
I ran the SeaTools. First odd thing was that it showed 4 120 GB drives, when I only have 2. The entire tree has 4 branches: My Computer; MB P/S IDE Controller; Unknown Controller; Other Seagate Drives. Under the latter 2 branches, there are 2 subbranches each.

Unknown Controller has "120 GB BIOS DRIVE 0x80 SN: N/A" and "120 GB BIOS DRIVE 0x81 SN: N/A" with another subdirectory each that says "NTFS 120GB".

Other Seagate Drives has two "120 GB ST* NN: * " . ( * represents a string of numbers and letters, I assume the serial number) .

I ran a "Quick Test" on all 4 drives. The first 2 (Unknown Controller) failed, and the last 2 (Other Seagate Drives ) passed. I then ran a full scan on all 4 drives - with the same results.


Any idea whats going on? I have RAID and Silicon SATA Controller disabled in the BIOS. I run my drives SATA with no NCQ.
 
Your problem has to do with either a hardware issue or a botched Windows setup. Since the hardware seems to check out ok, let's try setting up Windows again. I'm not an expert with SATA so bear with me.

1. Disconnect your secondary hard drive and make sure that your primary drive is connected to the SATA 1 port on the nVidia SATA controller.
2. Set your boot order so that CD-ROM is listed first.
3. Boot from the Windows XP CD. Choose to setup Windows but do NOT choose a repair install. From what I've read online you won't need to provide an SATA driver on a floppy during Windows setup for the nVidia SATA, so hopefully your drive will be detected.
4. Delete all partitions on your drive and recreate them (NTFS). Format and install.
5. After the first reboot, rearrange your boot order in the BIOS so the hard drive is listed first.
6. Continue with XP setup.
7. You should be in Windows now. I am assuming that MCE 2005 comes with SP2 preloaded. I would install the following at this point:

a. NIC drivers (if necessary)
b. All critical Windows Updates
c. nVidia nForce 4 chipset drivers (do not use the nVidia IDE software when it prompts you)
d. nVidia Detonator video drivers
e. Realtek audio driver

At this point you should have everything installed. No need for the Leadtek drivers (nVidia video drivers cover that) or for the Chipset_64 (you are running a 32-bit OS, use 32-bit drivers). STOP and reboot. You should have no errors. When you're comfortable with the setup, reconnect the secondary SATA drive and let Windows detect it. You can change the drive letter of the secondary drives by right clicking My Computer and going to Management, then clicking Disk Management. Hopefully this will work. Let me know if you get stuck.

 
Thanks Mr.Chad-
I'm about to give it a go. However, My last reinstall a few days ago, I did as you recommended, with the exception of altering the default boot order (1/floppy 2/HD 3/CD) and disconnecting the data HD. I still got the NTDLR error at reboot - before any updates or driver installs.
Also, as I mentioned, I can't access the intyernet to update XP until I install some of my mobo drivers.
And I have always tried to disconnect NCQ as I heard that it corrupts the HDs on this mobo.

Should I still try another reinstall?
 
Why don't you follow his instructions (all of them, no exceptions) and if you still have problems post back. Otherwise, what is the point? He makes suggestions and you do not follow them! What do expect him to do?

When you have 2 drives connected while you go through the XP installation, you may end up with XP being on a drive other than C. When there are problems like the ones you are experiencing, to make things predictable, it is advisable to have only one physical drive connected when you install XP.
 
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