Formatting the system volume

[shaunk]

Don't ask how I got myself into this mess.
I currently have a version of Windows XP running in two partitions. The idea was to load XP onto my second partition so I could format the system volume (c and reinstall Windows.
Of course, I now know that it is not possible to format the system volume, or so the DOS message informs me.
1) Is it possible to do this and
2) How do I uninstall XP from the other partition. It is not showing up as a Program under 'Remove/Add Programs' as stated in Windows Help, when I boot from this partiton.
Thanks.

 

[pmonett]

When you say "load XP to a second partition", do you intend to boot from said 2nd partition, or do you just want to backup your data ?
If you want to boot, you'll need a tool like Ghost to make the proper copy.

If all you want is a data backup, then you can just use the Windows Explorer and copy all your data directories to the backup partition.

It is totally impossible for XP to uninstall itself. Uninstalling any operating system is done by erasing the partition (formatting it).
Make yourself a boot disk (or get one from BootDisk), restart your PC from the floppy and format.
Or restart directly from your official XP CD and require a format of the install partition.

Pascal.

 

[shaunk]

Thanks for your advise on how to format the system volume.
The other problem remains....
Since installing XP in the second partition, I am given the choice of two XP OS's when booting the computer.
I did format the second partition from DOS, and still I am greeted with the choice on bootup. I have searched high and low for a ini file to edit, but obviously, it is at the BIOS stage where it is determing how many OS's are on the computer.

 

[Freestone]

boot.ini at the root of your boot drive is the file you want. Also edit is available through Start, right-click on My Computer, Properties, Advanced tab, Startup and Recovery Settings button, System Startup Edit button.

More information about the boot.ini file can be found here:

HOW TO: Edit the Boot.ini File in Windows XP