windows xp won't let me reformate my HD , why ?

[herbeapuce]

Hi.


I'm trying to install window xp on my girl's pc. windows 2000 pro was their OS.
after putting in the bootable xp pro cd, it won't allow me to delete some partitions , it tells me some files are being used ( or something like this...)
so I ended up with 2 OS on the machine, and I hate this...
what to do to clean sweep my HD completely and start from sracth?
thanks for our time.

this is an older celeron p3 700 with an HD of like 6 GO...

thanks
stef

 

[bcastner]

Create a DOS bootable floppy that contains FDISK.EXE, or go to the hard disk drive manufacturer's web site and download their diagnostic/setup program and put that on a bootable floppy.

Use either to remove all exising partitions.

Now boot with the XP CD

 

[herbeapuce]

I probably can do a search for FDISK.EXE and find the file, but to make it as a bootable floppy ??? I'm not sure. I sure can save in on a regular Floppy...would that be good?

thanks
stef

 

[bcastner]

http://www.mirrors.org/archived_software/www.bootdisk.com/original.htm

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/Q119/4/67.asp&NoWebContent=1

 

[linney]

HOW TO: Partition and Format a Hard Disk in Windows XP (Q313348)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q313/3/48.asp

Read the paragraph,
"How to Partition and Format Your Hard Disk by Using Windows XP Setup."


For more help (shows enlargeable screenshots) go here.

http://www.petri.co.il/install_windows_xp_pro.htm

 

[herbeapuce]

@ bcastner

I downloded the file Windows XP Custom Install Disk at the link you gave me.
the system did boot in DOS.
It then goes like this A:\) and wait for my instructions...
I typed FDISK enter or fdisk.exe or ect ect...but it tells me bad command or file name.
it's like the fdisk program is not on the floppy... or I'm to dumb to start it...
am I suppose to download fdisk somewhere else? from what I read, this should be on the floppy , so why can't I make this dam program start?

@ linney. this is exactly what I did, but using the installation windows xp cd, I couldn't delete or modify my HDD.....

anyone please....

thanks
stef.

 

[herbeapuce]

formating in progress hehe

with the Matrox utility...

http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache...+Quantum+HDD+utility&hl=en&gl=ca&ct=clnk&cd=2

thanks to all
stef