bad installation of XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chip
  • Start date Start date
C

Chip

Installed XP home on computer i built. Have built others.
This time XP unable to copy numerous files during setup.
Propt says you can go on to next file but windows may not
perform properly. Many files lost. On intallation
received note that "partmgr.sys" was corrupt. Have never
in my experience had such a difficult installation.
System seems to work fine but would like to Reformat the
C drive and try again before moving files to new
computer. Windows will not let me reformat "c" it is in
use. Is there a dos prompt command that will let me
override Windows and reformat the C drive?
 
Chip the problem with your install might be related to flaky or poorly
seated RAM. Another possible problem could be a scratched or damaged CD, a
dirty CD-Rom drive lens or even a weak power supply.

As for reformatting Windows is simply protecting itself by not allowing you
to format the C drive. Nor can you format with files active like the
pagefile.sys for example. If you plan to reinstall XP just reboot with the
XP CD and start the installation process. After you see the requirement to
press F8 to accept the License Agreement you will be asked if you want to
Repair the current installation or do a fresh install. Select the option to
fresh install and you can repartition and reformat as you desire.

If you do not want to take this route you can format using the Recovery
Console. Reboot with the XP CD and at the first screen choose the option to
Repair with the Recovery Console. Enter your Administrator password if you
have one or press the Enter key to leave blank if you do not have an
administrator password. You will see a command prompt. Type
FORMAT C: /FS:NTFS

or

FORMAT C: /FS:FAT32

depending on the flavour of format you wish.
To quit the Recovery Console type EXIT and the computer will reboot. You can
learn more about the Recovery Console here
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
 
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