Win2K unable to complete the format - Help!

[Dragtoth]

Hi, just wondering if anyone encounter this problem and might be able to help.

I noticed that Win2K is unable to completely format a HDD or partition. It seems fine at first when the formatting started but upon reaching 99.9%, then a message pops up saying "Windows is unable to complete this format". I've tried on several HDD and several PCs and conclude that this is a Win2K problem. Tried patching service pack 3 still no joy. The format mode is FAT32. I ended up booting from Win98 startup kit and do a format from there, then it works.

Anybody experienced this before? Please help

 

[mechBgon]

Is your Windows CD an original, legit CD? Sorry for asking, but some people... yeah. I usually use NTFS format anyway, but I don't recall encountering this problem with Win2000 using FAT32.

 

[mechBgon]

...or maybe I'm on the wrong track; is that during Setup, or after Windows is installed?

 

[Dragtoth]

This happen after I successfully installed. And yes it is original - Microsoft Select Windows 2000 Professional

 

[mechBgon]

Hmm, is it showing anything out of the ordinary in Disk Management (Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk Management)? or is that where you were working from already?

 

[redbeard1]

I believe win2k/xp will only format 32 gig in a fat32 format. If you format it from a dos prompt using a win98 boot disk, you can format it whatever size you want and then install it into the system.

 

[Dragtoth]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Hmm, is it showing anything out of the ordinary in Disk Management (Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk Management)? or is that where you were working from already?

Hmmmm... never tried checking that before... I'll give it a shot. Anyway thanks guys for the replies. I'll update the progress.