Can't Format C: Drive

  • Thread starter Thread starter anon_278
  • Start date Start date
A

anon_278

I have windows xp pro on a c drive and I need to format the drive.
There is only one partition on this drive.

I keep getting an error message that says the volume is in use and
asks if I want to dismount it. Isay yes and get an error message that
says "Cannot lock the drive. The volume is still in use" and it cannot
be formatted.

I have shutdown all services and all startup menu items, all to no
avail. I have started up xp in minimalist modes - safe mode - no luck.

I have run the format command from the command prompt and from windows
explorer - no difference.

?????
 
Sorry, but how do I boot to the CD that is in the e drive?
Click to expand...

1) Start your computer, and right at the end of the memory test, press the
key combo which is used to enter your BIOS setup program.
2) Once in the BIOS setup program, find the section having to do with "boot"
options.
3) Set your CD drive to be the first Boot device.
4) Place the Windows XP install CD in the drive.
5) Quit the BIOS setup program, making sure you save the settings you just
made.

The machine will reboot. Right after the drives are displayed, at the end
of the POST, a message will be displayed at the bottom of the screen telling
you to press any key to boot from ATAPI cd. Quickly press a key (you will
only have about 5 seconds or less) and the setup program on the CD will
start and load enough of the OS to start setup.

During setup, you will be given the opportunity to delete partitions, create
new ones, and format them.
 
I tried to do what you suggested but it won't let me into the BIOS.
The computer is a Dell and I hit the f2 key as soon as I got the blue
dell logo on the screen, as the book says I should.

No luck after three tries.
 
I tried to do what you suggested but it won't let me into the BIOS.
The computer is a Dell and I hit the f2 key as soon as I got the blue
dell logo on the screen, as the book says I should.

No luck after three tries.
Click to expand...

Try pressing the F2 key several times a second AS the computer boots up,
even before you get the Dell logo
 
You will need to change the boot order setting in the bios to boot from
the cdrom first. You do this by hitting delete or whatever key your
computer tells you to when you turn it on, before windows begins to
load. Also, the cd has to be in the drive. You do know that if you
format your drive you're going to lose everything, right?
 
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