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formatting hard drive

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chas2008 | 08:09 Tue 13th Jan 2009 | Technology
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Due to some windows errors i need to format my hard drive and reinstall windows XP (pro), struggling a bit at the moment any idiots guide would be appreciated. I have googled the question but not really any the wiser. I know you cant format while windows is running, even though there is a format command on C drive !! why is it there ? I have tried to boot from the disc as was recomended but all it does is load the programs up.Was going to do it through DOS but cant create a DOS boot disc as there is no floppy drive...it cant be this difficult surely !!!
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threre should be an option to reformat discs including C when you run windows cd.
Question Author
that what i thought and was led to believe, mine just boots straight up from the CD and loads windows..
If it's loading Windows then it's not booting from the CD.
You probably need to change the settings in your BIOS to allow booting from the CD
also if it is booting from the CD you'll get a prompt to "press any key to boot from CD" for about 5 seconds on startup, if you miss this then it will go into windows normally.
Question Author
ah, Rojash..knew you be here soon..

I have set the BIOS to boot from the CD 1st thing i did & no messages giving me any options
This is an XP pro disc, i think i have an XP home disc somewhere, might see if i can find it and try that
Phew , at least i was going down the right route thought it was me being a plank..
silly question... but here we go..

the laptop will read the windows CD OK when it's in windows won't it?
Question Author
yep, no problem i actually loaded it over win2000 hoping it would sort the error problems out...it didnt !, hence why i think a fresh install is needed.
oh well try your home disk then.

if not you could try making a copy of the CD on another computer and see if any better luck booting of the copy.
Question Author
cheers guys,
at least i now know im on the right track , panic over.
just need to try a couple of options. plan B
A friend`s computer which I was reinstalling wouldn`t boot from the disc. It took me ages with trial and error, but I finally got the option, press any key to boot from cd, by pressing F4.
Question Author
Will try that later...i have spent hours on it so far , i get so stressed out when i cant solve a problem
Question Author
trish432...love you forever, all sorted...I did try the F keys in desperation, as you do. But holding F4 when loading the disc got me into the boot menu....
so good so far...
Question Author
all sorted.........up and running, superb...that little F4 is all it needed
thanks again Trish, if you are ever in Northants i owe you a coffee............
Glad to hear it`s sorted.

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