I have Windows 2k & XP on one partition - why can't I delete the partition?

I am unable to delete the partition on my drive because it won't dismount. I can't format c: or fdisk c: - nothing! please help

 

How are you attempting to delete the partition?

A little more information is required. Assuming as you say C: is your 2K/XP partition what (if anything) is on the other(s) and is C: the primary (ie Boot) partition?

 

I am repairing somebody else's PC. It originally had 2 copies of Win 2k on C:\! The second probably is mounted within the first. Has to be. I attempted to format while installing XP - It wouldn't let me. I cancelled setup and attempted to format in MS-DOS. Same problem! I wouldn't dismount. So I went ahead installed XP. C: is the primary ieBoot as far as I can tell.

 

To clarify, you are booting from a Windows XP setup CD not the Hard Drive?

If so, the first place I'd look is in the BIOS Setup for AntiVirus options, this could prevent the MBR (Master Boot Record) from being written to and cause problems similar to what you describe. Have a look and let us know if you find anything. Whilst in the BIOS Setup confirm that the first Boot Device is CD/DVD.

 

Yes, I have the CDs for both OSs. No AntiVirus option.

 

Ok you mentioned FDISK and Format, have you went through the XP setup and tried to delete the partition through that? Read the prompts carefully at one point it'll ask you to press 'L' to delete/confirm or words to that effect.

One other thing is the drive PATA or SATA. If SATA, do you have a driver Disk?

Finally how large is the drive and what version (SP?) of XP are you trying to install?

 

Yes, that was my first method - all methods end up with the same. Can't dismount. You know the screen where the OSs are listed for logon - There are two Win 2k, only the second one does nothing but display a blinking cursor. They were both there when I attempted for the first time.

 

It does appear that you're booting from the Hard Drive not the CD (I may be wrong but it looks like it).

Using the XP setup CD you should not see that screen. Where is the CD drive (assuming PATA due to Win 2K), is it on Primary or Secondary as Master or Slave?

When booting with XP CD in drive do you see

"Press any key to boot from CD "

 

That screen is during Windows boot process not installation! Where you select which OS you want to log onto. There was already a dual boot or mounted drive or shadow drive - whatever you want to call it - before I even began installing XP. Both were 2k, but only one was complete.
Yes I see "Press any key to boot from CD ". The first thing I did was change to the boot order in BIOS to do this. Secondary as Slave. HD is Primary as Master. DVD is Secondary as Master.

 

Sorry MLP but you did say they all end up as the same.

OK, so you press a key and Windows Setup starts... Detecting Hardware Blah Blah Blah, then eventually shows existing partitions, what happens when you try to delete the partition at that stage?

Seriously, I'm not trying to be awkward here but I do need to know what's going on.

 

It's okay - I'm new to this site and not used to fully explaining the problem. Anyhow, what ends up the same is the result of trying to format c: or delete partition on volume c: (I've attempted to do so with these methods: CD, Within Windows, and MS-DOS) - " Can't format because drive can't dismount."
When I get to the partition screen, it allows me to select L and then D to Delete, but then gives me the above mentioned error. I even tried to format through ARS or ASR and the same thing happened. Thank you for your help.

 

I have to admit you've got me stumped

Forget ASR, have you tried the HD manufacturers own tools or third party products such as a Linux live CD?

To be honest I cannot understand why a volume can't be unmounted when, if booting from a CD it shouldn't have been mounted in the first place. My money would still be on AV protection in the BIOS.

Can you install the drive as a slave in another system and wiping it there?

 

Sorry to go back to a previous post but can you expand on the above what and where are the drives on that system?

You've tweaked my interest and I ain't going to let go

 

Don't know, but I'll try. I forgot to mention the first part of the error msg. is that there are installation files on or accessing or using the drive, which is why it can't be dismounted. Sorry - I'm just a little frazzled! And it said that the very first time I logged on to the PC to install!

 

C: - HD ~ all OSs are within C:
D: - DVDROM
E: - CDROM

 

Thanks that clears things up a little, I was hoping that Secondary as Slave was another Hard Drive

Try what I said before, slave it in another system and wipe there. It's a work around but I'd love to know what's going on in that box.

If anyone else has input please enlighten me.

 

In "My Computer/Manage"

Disk0 C:

CDROM0 DVD D:

CDROM1 CD-ROM E:

C: is Primary Partition!!!!

I'm going to remove the DVD drive from tower and attempt to fix the BIOS/partition setup!

 

One last thought, is there a recovery partition on the drive that may be interfering with the setup?

What is the Make/Model of the system and is it the original drive?

 

DELL DIMENSION 4100 - from the 1800 era! Not sure if HD is original. I had to use my own RAM, CMOS battery and power cords to get it going!

 

OK, After a very brief look it appears that there is no recovery partition, so no further forward.

Sorry I couldn't help but please keep me informed with your progress, if I think of anything else I'll let you know.