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 !!!
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.
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..
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.
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.
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...
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............