Reformating Vista HD

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dave B
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Dave B

I am trying to reformat the Vista HD so I can install XP Pro. I am the only
user and administrator of the laptop. When I use the command prompt to
reformat C: I get the message "Insufficient Privileges" and "invoke this
utility running in elevated mode".

How can I accomplish "completely" removing Vista and all data, and install
XP Pro?

Thanks

Dave B
 
Dave said:
I am trying to reformat the Vista HD so I can install XP Pro. I am
the only user and administrator of the laptop. When I use the command
prompt to reformat C: I get the message "Insufficient Privileges" and
"invoke this utility running in elevated mode".

How can I accomplish "completely" removing Vista and all data, and
install XP Pro?

Thanks

Dave B
Click to expand...

Boot from the XP CD to run XP setup. During setup, you should reach a
screen that will allow you to delete partitions, reformate and create new
partitions. If going back to XP, I suggest you use this part of XP setup to
delete the Vista parition, create a new partion to replace it, format and
continue with XP setup.
 
Dave B said:
I am trying to reformat the Vista HD so I can install XP Pro. I am the
only user and administrator of the laptop. When I use the command prompt to
reformat C: I get the message "Insufficient Privileges" and "invoke this
utility running in elevated mode".

How can I accomplish "completely" removing Vista and all data, and install
XP Pro?
Click to expand...

You reformat from within an OS. Use the XP CD, boot from it and do the
clean install. It has all the tools need to repartition, format and
install. Here is a link how.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
 
Dave B said:
I am trying to reformat the Vista HD so I can install XP Pro. I am the
only user and administrator of the laptop. When I use the command prompt to
reformat C: I get the message "Insufficient Privileges" and "invoke this
utility running in elevated mode".

How can I accomplish "completely" removing Vista and all data, and install
XP Pro?

Thanks

Dave B
Click to expand...
If you are trying to reformat the system disk, Vista (or any other) will not
let you. Other posters have told you how to move back to XP.

Jim
 
Dave B said:
I am trying to reformat the Vista HD so I can install XP Pro. I am the
only user and administrator of the laptop. When I use the command prompt to
reformat C: I get the message "Insufficient Privileges" and "invoke this
utility running in elevated mode".

How can I accomplish "completely" removing Vista and all data, and install
XP Pro?

Thanks

Dave B
Click to expand...
Somewhere along the line you have paid for Windows Vista. Why are you
throwing it away? Maybe you should ask for help in solving your problems
rather than the drastic route that you are attempting.
 
I am using it because it came on a new computer. I see no overwhelming
advantages to Vista. So rather than fight thru the numerous
incompatibilities that arise with Vista, I would rather get some work done.
 
I am using it because it came on a new computer. I see no overwhelming
advantages to Vista. So rather than fight thru the numerous
incompatibilities that arise with Vista, I would rather get some work done.
Click to expand...

You can make a second partition and installing XP on that. And make
a multiboot with Vista and XP with a program like EasyBCD.
 
You can't reformat the operating system drive from 'within' the operating
system. The system is being used so how can it format itself? Use the
Windows XP CD and install XP to your drive. I assume you have a full retail
copy of XP? For more details on installing see this link on my website:
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp.htm
At step 11 in the tutorial select the partition/drive containing Vista and
then press D on your keyboard to Delete the partition ( you will need to
confirm deletion etc). Afterwards you will have a 'raw' unallocated space
drive. Now, if you look at the step 11 screenshot, you will see that you
need to press C to create a new partition. Do this and size the partition
accordingly. Once the partition has been created you will be shown the
options to format. Select Format the partition using NTFS. Allow the
partition to format and then continue with the installation as per my
website instructions.

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

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