Resolved Need a tool to format C drive

skylane · 2010/08/24

I would like to be able to format a C: disk hard drive in order to install
a fresh copy of XP-Pro SP-3. The desktop has 1 hard drive, a DVD-ROM
and a 3.5 diskette rdr. I have copies of UBCD and Ubuntu. I am unsure
if I can use either of those tools or if so how to use them to execute the
format process. Suggestions appreciated.

Steve R Jones · 2010/08/24

The XP install cd will let you zap the partition and recreate it...and it will then format the drive.

PeteC · 2010/08/24

See my notes below ......

I am assuming that you have a Windows XP CD and not a Recovery disk. Many Recovery disks destroy partition information and wipe the entire drive.

Check in your BIOS that the boot order is set CD/Floppy/HD

Boot from the Windows CD – follow the on screen prompts …..

To set up Windows XP now press ENTER

Accept the Licence Agreement F8

Searching for previous versions of Windows

To continue installing a fresh copy of Windows without repairing press ESC

Ensure that the drive/partition selected is the one on which XP was set up and press D to delete the selected partition.

To delete the partition press ENTER

To delete the partition press L – heed the warnings and DOUBLE CHECK before hitting L

To create a partition in the unpartitioned space press C

Accept max size and press ENTER

To set up Windows XP on the selected item (Partition (New Raw)) press ENTER
Format the partition using the NTFS file system – preferred unless you want an install of Win 98 to access data on the drive/partition, if so choose FAT32.

Set up is formatting ……

When format is complete XP will install.

When complete install your antivirus and firewall before you even think of connecting to the Internet. Update the virus definitions immediately and then go to Windows Updates and download the Critical updates.
Click to expand...

skylane · 2010/08/25

Ahhh...thanks Pete! "Delete the partition" is the part I didn't get. I hesitated, not clear if that would derail the whole process. I'll 'ave a go at it!

PeteC · 2010/08/25

Good luck, not that you should need it

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Resolved Need a tool to format C drive

skylane Inactive Thread Starter

Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

PeteC SuperGeek Staff

skylane Inactive Thread Starter

PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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Resolved Need a tool to format C drive

skylane Inactive Thread Starter

Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

PeteC SuperGeek Staff

skylane Inactive Thread Starter

PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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