Formatting harddrive running Windows XP

[kaylabear]

Hello,

Now with every other version of windows I have ever had, ie; 95, 98 etc. I have been able to format the harddrive through DOS. However when I try to format the harddrive that is currently running Windows XP, I can get to the final command, "Format C: Drive", YES NO, when I click yes it says, "Drive cannot be formatted".

I am under the impression that this is a built in operating system and therefore regular formatting options will not work.

Is there a way to format the drive from startup, or from within the BIOS.

Any input you have is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Kaylabear.

 

[SeanAIX430]

If you want to format the harddrive, just boot off the XP cd and choose to install fresh, then format when it gives you the option.

 

[jimp56]

how exactly (what steps are taken and from where) are you trying to format the drive?

 

[tazuk]

kaylabear

I'd suggest downloading the relevant drive manufacturer's utilities. Most offer bootable disk images for formatting / zero writing etc and these utilities offer a far quicker format than offered by Windows XP. Handy to have for the diagnostics as well. I always keep my Seagate bootable CD to hand for this sort of thing.

HTH

TazUk

Blue-screening PCs since 1998