I want to format my hard drive on my laptop. I don't need most of the programs or files and have copied anything I need. I primarily use it only to surf the web or to connect to my pc at work using logmein.com. I open My Computer and click on the "C" drive, than go to File\Format. It keeps telling me it can't do it becuase other applications are using the drive. I have nothing running and clicked off everything in my system tray.
Tek-Tips is the largest IT community on the Internet today!
Members share and learn making Tek-Tips Forums the best source of peer-reviewed technical information on the Internet!
-
Congratulations strongm on being selected by the Tek-Tips community for having the most helpful posts in the forums last week. Way to Go!
Can't format lap top HD
- Thread starter pro356
- Start date
John Lewis
Programmer
Windows (I assume you are running Windows) is the application that is running.
You can not format the partition that Windows is installed on without booting from some other media.
You can not format the partition that Windows is installed on without booting from some other media.
- Thread starter
- #3
John Lewis
Programmer
What do you want to change?
You can certainly reformat by reinstalling Windows or installing another OS.
You can certainly reformat by reinstalling Windows or installing another OS.
- Thread starter
- #5
John Lewis
Programmer
If you do a repair install, it will leave your clutter in place. If you do a "regular" install, you should get uncluttered.
Boot from the CD to begin installation. Early in the process, you will be presented with the option to install Windows by pressing Enter or repair by pressing R. Press enter. Do not press R.
On the following screen, press F8 to accept the EULA.
The next screen will list your partition(s). Highlight each one and press 'D' until you have a single unpartitioned space. Now press Enter (unless you want to create more than one partition). Your new partition will be formatted and clean as can be.
Boot from the CD to begin installation. Early in the process, you will be presented with the option to install Windows by pressing Enter or repair by pressing R. Press enter. Do not press R.
On the following screen, press F8 to accept the EULA.
The next screen will list your partition(s). Highlight each one and press 'D' until you have a single unpartitioned space. Now press Enter (unless you want to create more than one partition). Your new partition will be formatted and clean as can be.
I would certainly back up all the drivers and take snapshots of Device Manager before even thinking of formatting that drive.
You have to realize that once you format, there is no going back to see what drivers you had and what not.
Preparation helps....better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
You have to realize that once you format, there is no going back to see what drivers you had and what not.
Preparation helps....better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
- Status