attempting to format my c drive

[gamu1]

have been attempting to format my c drive of my laptop. I have removed many programs including Norton anti virus and zone alarm. Everytime I go to my computer and then c drive and attempt to format this drive, this is what I get: Windows cannot format this drive. Quit any disk utilities or other programs that are currently using this drive and make sure that no window is displaying the contents of the drive. Then try formatting again.

I have XP home and I will be giving this computer away to a friend. I will be receiving XP professional to put on this computer.

Does anyone have a solution on how I can format this hard drive??

 

[Nukem]

install the new OS and format it when you start the install. If that is the only drive you cannot format due to the OS being on it already! it's safety thing built into the OS.

 

[Alvin.C]

...yep.

Also to explain, the reason why you can't format the partition with Windows OS on is because you're currently booted into that partition.

For example as an analogy, you can't swap a car's gearbox when you're driving the car...rolleyes: gudnuff analogy?)

If you are trying to re-install Windows on a partition which already has Windows on, then format that Windows partition by booting into the Windows XP Setup Disc, entering the Recovery Console, logging in, and typing format x: then hit enter (where x: is the partition in question with the OS installed). Following that, restart the PC, boot back into the Windows XP Setup Disc and choose to install Windows.

 

[vaderpro]

...yep.

Also to explain, the reason why you can't format the partition with Windows OS on is because you're currently booted into that partition.

For example as an analogy, you can't swap a car's gearbox when you're driving the car...rolleyes: gudnuff analogy?)

If you are trying to re-install Windows on a partition which already has Windows on, then format that Windows partition by booting into the Windows XP Setup Disc, entering the Recovery Console, logging in, and typing format x: then hit enter (where x: is the partition in question with the OS installed). Following that, restart the PC, boot back into the Windows XP Setup Disc and choose to install Windows.

Yes, you have to boot from/load up from your Windows Xp cd...

You can format your hard drive as part of the Windows installation process. If your computer is only a few years old and can boot from the CD-Rom drive, simply turn off your computer, insert your Windows CD into the CD-Rom drive, and restart your computer (if the Windows setup does not begin, check your BIOS settings to make sure your computer is configured to try and boot from a CD).

During the setup process, you will have the option of formatting your hard drive; choose that option to erase your damaged/hacked Windows installation, and proceed with the reinstall.

Once Windows is reinstalled, you will have to reinstall your other programs individually from your original install disks.


Unless you have backup you will lose all your data/programs...

good luck...