formatting and partitioning

[Guest]

bought a brand new HD for my laptop and I installed XP and partitioned the
drive. I realized only after all this was done that I don't want/need the
partition. I'm trying to re-install windows, but it's forcing me to keep the
partition. How do I get to the point where I have no partitions and can
simply re-install Xp on the drive without partitions? I don't care about
wiping everything clean b/c there's no data/programs (other than Windows) on
the drive anyway.

 

[Dave Patrick]

To do a clean install boot the Windows XP install CD-Rom. When you get to
the point, delete the existing NTFS and or other partitions found. After you
delete the partition(s) abort the install, then again restart the pc booting
the CD-Rom to avoid unexpected drive letter assignments with your new
install.

Be sure to apply SP2 or at least these two below to your new install before
connecting to any network.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...be-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&displaylang=en

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-043.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-049.mspx


--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

:
| bought a brand new HD for my laptop and I installed XP and partitioned the
| drive. I realized only after all this was done that I don't want/need the
| partition. I'm trying to re-install windows, but it's forcing me to keep
the
| partition. How do I get to the point where I have no partitions and can
| simply re-install Xp on the drive without partitions? I don't care about
| wiping everything clean b/c there's no data/programs (other than Windows)
on
| the drive anyway.

 

[Guest]

Dave,

THanks for the reply. The problem I'm running into is that it's not letting
me delete the partition b/c that's where "setup" files are. It says, "Setup
is unable to perform the requested operation on the selected partition. This
partition contains temporary Setup files that are required to complete the
installation." Then it just forces me to press "enter" to continue.

Any ideas?

 

[Guest]

Thanks again for the reply. The key was for me to boot from the CD. So
obvious now.

Thanks.

 

[Dave Patrick]

Sounds like you're not booting the CD-Rom. Possibly set the boot order in
cmos setup to CD-Rom first in boot sequence. Also look for the keystroke (if
necessary) at POST to force boot from CD-Rom drive or check your mobo/pc
manual for instructions.


--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

:
| Dave,
|
| THanks for the reply. The problem I'm running into is that it's not
letting
| me delete the partition b/c that's where "setup" files are. It says,
"Setup
| is unable to perform the requested operation on the selected partition.
This
| partition contains temporary Setup files that are required to complete the
| installation." Then it just forces me to press "enter" to continue.
|
| Any ideas?

 

[Dave Patrick]

Yep, you're welcome.

--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

:
| Thanks again for the reply. The key was for me to boot from the CD. So
| obvious now.
|
| Thanks.