How do I re-format my hard drive using XP??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Khurram
  • Start date Start date
K

Khurram

I need to reformat my entire computer. I have windows XP
installed but it wont let me get to DOS to format the
computer. HOW DO I FORMAT IT?
I tried putting the xp disk in the cd-rom and changed the
bios to boot from the cd-rom but it just boots up windows
normally.

I created a boot disk using the format option in windows
but it just takes me to A: and doesn't let me change to C
drive ... says its an invalid drive...which is not true.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP. How do I create a boot disk
that will allow me to re-format my computer.
HELP HELP HELP!!!
Thanks
 
Hi,

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary to
partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow Windows XP
to partition and format your drive:

1. Open your BIOS and set your CD Drive as the first bootable device.
2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. After installing Windows XP, be sure and visit the support website of
the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any available
Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter and audio drivers.
 
Booting up windows normally is an indication it is booting from the hard drive
and not the CD
 
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