Cannot format...volume is in use?

[VerbalGraffiti]

hello,

I'm having trouble formatting with xp pro. When i try it says cannot format because volume is in use by another process. Format may run if this volume is dismounted first. And i type Y in the command prompt. Then it says, cannot lock drive, volume is still in use.

Someone please help!

 

[SESaskDFC]

Howdy:

Are you using the XP cd to bootup and start the format process??

Murray

 

[VerbalGraffiti]

Yup sure am.

 

[SESaskDFC]

Do you have any removable devices on your system??

Murray

 

[VerbalGraffiti]

Nope.
Still havn't figured it out.

 

[MiggyD]

Are your bios set to cd-rom as PM1?

 

[SESaskDFC]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315403

I would try the following first...

Use a win98 bootdisk to get to an a: prompt and then change to c: prompt and then run the FDISK command to start the process to clear the partition. Once the non-dos partition is clear, use the XP cd to load XP..

Murray

 

[SESaskDFC]

Addendum:

Stay on a: prompt to run the fdisk command.. Don't go to c: prompt.

Murray

 

[VerbalGraffiti]

Yes i know, i tried using a 98 boot disk yesterday and it said wrong MS DOS version.

Bios set cd to PM1?
hmm i'll have to check that out

 

[VerbalGraffiti]

If PM1 means Primary Master, yes the cd rom is set.