How do I get WinXP Install to Format HD?!?!?

[Eroberer]

This is insane! I've tried all of the options, and all I want for the thing to do is reformat the C: then install it there. Every single thing I try results in it either asking me if I want to reformat E:, which I don't, or saying that NECESSARY FILES FOR INSTALLATION ARE ON C:.

I scream at the computer JUST MOVE THE GODDAMN FILES!! I've seen this option in the install where I can pick the folder for the Setup files to be copied to, but it doesn't seem want to take that, since I've tried making it in E: and it still gives me the NECESSARY FILES ON C: thing.

So, any help. Thank you in advance!

[SlowwHand]

Start in safe mode.

[Eroberer]

alright, I'll try that. If I'm not back in 15 mins, then that probably worked. =)

[Eroberer]

wait, start the installation process in safe mode? What is that going to do?

[SlowwHand]

The only way I've ever been able to format from Windows is in safe mode.

[alva]

You can't format the drive which has your OS installed on, while it's running.

Start-up in dos and format c: /q (q= quick format)

[Eroberer]

alva, that's a good idea. Do you know the command for the long format? What's the difference?

[alva]

Just drop the /q
difference: AFAIK with a quick format, it's only the directories that are deleted, not the actual info.

* Remember that doing this will erase everything !!
To reinstal XP, you might have to go into the bios to make sure you can boot of the CD-drive.

for better info, wait a little bit longer. There are far more better informed people around.

[Eroberer]

Nah, I'm willing to try anyhing to get this working. How do I restard in DOS mode? This is insane! I used to know to do this, 'cus it was easy. When I press F8, I'm not given the option to do it.

[Az]

* Remember that doing this will erase everything !!

very important detail to remember BEFORE FORMATTING.

[Eroberer]

Alright, I'm using a DOS prompt and it doesn't want to do it unless I force a "dismount" of the drive. Is this alright? Will the system automatically mount this partition again when I restart? I don't want to lose the partition forever....dunno why that would happen, but then I dunno why the damn setup just want do this for me.

[Eroberer]

Yea, I already knew that. I spent a whole day last week backing stuff up.

[alva]

Some systems use different ways to get into dos mode.

IIRC F8 is frequently used, maybe F6

[alva]

x posted

Don't worry, just saw Asher make a post in a differnt thread, help is underway

[Asher]

Boot with the Windows CD, use the format tools at the rescue console, then boot from the CD again and install Windows.