can't format c drive

[soonerguy]

I've got a computer running Windows 98. After the POST runs, it locks up. I've gone into the BIOS and set it to boot from the A drive first. When I insert a boot disk into the A drive, the computer will boot to an A prompt. I can type DIR and see the directory contents. However, when I type format c: \s, the computer says bad file name or command. I've tried a variety of different methods and I've had no luck. Any ideas how I can reformat this C drive to reinstall Windows? By the way, I've also tried switching the BIOS to boot from the CD with the Windows 98 CD in the drive. The computer says Booting from ATAPI CD-ROM...Failure. I'm open to suggestions...

 

[mintaka]

Where did you get the bootdisk from? Does it have Format.com on it? Download a new disk from bootdisk.com.

When you have the new bootdisk. Start with boot disk inserted, choose "Start computer without CD-ROM support". At the command prompt, type fdisk create only one partition using all the space, enable large disk support. When fdisk completes format c: without the \s switch. When formatted, restart with boot disk still inserted, choose "Start computer with CD-ROM support" from the menu. You should see one of these lines:
Drive x: = Driver MSCD001
Drive x: = OEMCD001
Where x is the drive letter of your CD-ROM.
Insert the Windows CD and type x:\setup (where x is your CD-ROM assigned letter).

Hopefully Windows should install.

 

[SPYDERIX]

FAQ748-1599 <--Read this. This will tell you how to re-install and how to re-format (Step-By-Step instructions)


Nate
&quot;If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!&quot;

 

[reghakr]

It's
format c: /s

reghakr