Resolved How do I perform a complete format of C: drive?

Dear markmadras, Maybe, just maybe you have hit the answer button.....I think much of the problem is that this unit is a Dell and as you know, they like to retain their proprietary software on the unit and I like to remove everything and treat it as a custom built machine so I'll break it down, get the HD manufacturer and perform ther low level format....should solve the issue....thanks again for your kindness and patience with this.....rocknroller...

 

Are you referring to deleting the Recovery Partition.

 

Looks like it.

 

Using the W98SE floppy is an excellent way to adjust the partitions on a hard drive---that's the method I use! However, it's true there's a limitation on hard drive size---only the first 64 Gb are recognized.

But there's a patch to FDISK that will fix that. It's patch 263044 in program 263044usa8.exe. I've been able to adjust partitions on hard drives up to 80 Gb, but haven't tested it beyond that.

If for some reason you can't address your entire hard disk with FDISK with the patch applied, you could probably fix it in a later step, after you have the basic layout in place. Let me know.

 

GParted would handle any disk & partition if the computer recognises the hard disk. Fdisk is history now.

 

go and download a set of programms under hiren check this from google etc.
make a CD with these downloads, instructiopns given, then when you booth your computer with this CD , you get a menu which allows you to do partitions, and or delete them. after everything is deleted, stick your windows 7 cd and booth from it then this will begin process of formatting CD etc.

 

Dear lj50,
Yes, I want to wipe the c: drive completely clean and wind up with a blank hd forrmatted with the NTFS file system. Then, I want to install win 7 ultimate as the operating system. Thanks for your help....rocknroller...

 

Dear agregor,
Thanks so very much. I had not ever heard of this site but it is loaded with great software, much of which is freeware. Just a friedly suggestion to other site members....you may want to bookmark this site as it appears to be a really useful tool. Thanks again.....rocknroller...

 

Have you tried DiskPart. I'm looking around my cluttered desk.trying to find the instructions.

 

Boot from the CD or DVD and you can do that from there. Clean install, format the HD in FAT 32 or NTFS. It gives you a choice. Just follow the instructions.

 

Hi to TonyT and everyone else,
I finally found a program that will seriously clean a hard drive and best of all it's free! Go to C-Net downloads and get a copy of Darik's Boot and Nuke, copy it to a flash drive or cd and set your boot sequence to boot this device first.When your computer boots this program it will tell you to type in "autonuke" to clean the drive.
WARNING!!! This program will do exactly what it says and when it completes, you will have a spotlessly clean hard drive without any data or partitions remaining, so use it cautiously and be sure of what you are doing.
Many thanks to all the members as the other suggested programs will do just fine I am sure. Darik's was the simplest for me and did exactly what I wanted.
Again, I really appreciate all the support and advice offered by the site and the members.....it is certainly a site to be appreciated.....rocknroller

 

Dear PeteC,
I will be glad to post the issue as resolved but, as I am not quite sure of how to mark it as such. I have not done this before and have not seen an available link to complete this task. It is for certain that I just don't see the guide, but would you be so kind as to point me in the right direction? Thanks again....rocknroller...

 

Issue Resolved

Hi to TonyT and everyone else,
I finally found a program that will seriously clean a hard drive and best of all it's free! Go to C-Net downloads and get a copy of Darik's Boot and Nuke, copy it to a flash drive or cd and set your boot sequence to boot this device first.When your computer boots this program it will tell you to type in "autonuke" to clean the drive.
WARNING!!! This program will do exactly what it says and when it completes, you will have a spotlessly clean hard drive without any data or partitions remaining, so use it cautiously and be sure of what you are doing.
Many thanks to all the members as the other suggested programs will do just fine I am sure. Darik's was the simplest for me and did exactly what I wanted.
Again, I really appreciate all the support and advice offered by the site and the members.....it is certainly a site to be appreciated.....rocknroller

 

Dear PeteC....Thanks again!