Format C

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ilah
  • Start date Start date
I

Ilah

Hiya,

A simple enough operation I think but no. I've tried it
through DOS, start up disk, even Windows itself and
everytime I get the same error message. Can't format as
an operating system has been detected. Only there's a
virus as well which is crippling my computer and I cant
get rid of it. Do I really have to go to the DIY shop and
buy a big magnet or is there and easier solution. There
are two hard disk drives in the computer, XP is on C and
Win 98 is on D

Ilah
 
Formatting should always be the last resort. What virus is crippling your
system?
 
Hi,

Can't format while any part of Windows is active. For WinXP, the solution is
to boot the installation CD and start a new install, you remove the existing
partition then create a new one and format as part of the preinstall work.

Do the above may not remove the virus depending upon which one it is and how
the infection has progressed. Your time could be better spent clearing the
bugger off, and for assistance in doing so all you need to do is tell us
what virus it is, or give an accurate description of the symptoms.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
 
I would first try one of those virus removal tools offerred by McAfee or
Symnatec.

However, if you really want to format, you can use FDISK run form a DOS boot
disk to first remove all partitions, including any non-DOS partitions (i.e.,
NTFS, which is probably what XP is using), then re-partition and re-format
(as FAT32, since DOS does not do NTFS). Then use the XP CDROM to install
XP. It will probably give you the option to make the partition NTFS.

Or, you can run the recovery console directly from the Xp CDROM. It can
also remove partitions and re-create them. It supports NTFS.
 
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