Formatting problems.

[RATTER15]

I'm trying to format C drive on a PC, Ive booted the PC with XP disc in and it goes through the options but I'm not getting the option to format C: drive.

I now have three installations of windows on C: drive, where am I going wrong?

[zingo1327]

Try this. Don't put any disk in. Right click START, left click EXPLORE,right click LOCAL DISK C and the format option is there. Whether it works or not I wasn't talking any chances. I recall trying to format years ago and had to manually remove as many programs/files as I could before it would let me format. Good luck

[ChuckFickens]

You can't format the system drive from within windows!!

delete the partition during the install procedure and then create a new partition and it will format it for you.

[RATTER15]

Chuck, I tried that, it says that there are files on the drive and cannot format.

I have done this a few times with any problems but today its giving me hell!

[RATTER15]

Now im getting a configuration error so ive given up Grrrr

its going to pc shop.

[RATTER15]

TY guys

[ChuckFickens]

Hold up...

You booted the computer with the XP disk in?

but, did the computer actually boot from the CD? if it started up as normal then it's just loading windows as normal. if you want to reinstall then you have to change the boot order so the CD drive is before the hard drive and then it will start from the CD and you'll be able to format the drive.

[RATTER15]

I think you may be right as usual chuck, I have some great guys at the PC shop locally, they formatted it for in a few minutes and assaulted and abused me for 30 minutes lol. thanks again chuck

[AlBags]

LOL Sort yerself out Ratters old chap !

Formatting the drive you are using is like pulling the rug out from beneath your feet tho!

: )

[RATTER15]

albags, I was booting from CD, I wasnt trying to format from within windows. All sorted now.

[AlBags]

Nice job mate : )