insufficient memory

i tried to format my computer today but when it reaches 70%, it keeps giving me an error about insufficient memory.

i used a win98 boot disk and typed in format c:

what am i doing wrong?

 

...and how much memory has your system got?
Assuming you are reformatting to install XP? you should boot from the CD and reformat using the utilities on the install disk in preference to using a W98 startup disk, assuming you system allows CD booting (check your boot sequence in the BIOS).

Sometimes if a HD is detected as LBA (Largre Block Allocation) this can cause problems with formatting. It did to me once when I attempted to reformat using a W2K disc once on someones machine. I recommend setting the HD detect in BIOS to auto.

Before you reformat it may be advisable to delete the current partition(s) and repartition the disk and start from a totally clean disk.

 

memory as in ram? i got 512mb

thanks, i'll try that and come back if it doesn't work

 

512 MB RAM is the 'sweet spot' for XP. There may be an underlying memory problem? Try reseating the stick, If your 512 MB consists of 2x256 MB sticks try removing one stick and reformating. This may require swapping sticks a bit but my isolate the problem.

 

taki - clarification please. Since this is the XP section, I assume you either have XP and are trying to get rid of it or want to install it.

If install it, Paul's suggestion of booting from the XP CD and doing the format from there is absolutely correct. Or if the PC won't deal with a CD boot, make a set of the 6 install floppy disks for XP and load from there.

If you are trying to get rid of XP, you will probably need to boot from the 98 disk and fdisk the thing to get rid of the existing XP partition first.

 

thanks for all the suggestions

and to clear things up, i'm trying to get rid of xp. sorry bout that

i still haven't had time to try it yet, but i will. thanks!

 

From the 98 boot floppy, fdisk and remove all the partitions. The XP one may well show up as an unknown type.

Then create a primary and any others you want.

Then you can format and go from there.