XP reinstall - cannot delete c partition

  • Thread starter Thread starter macjohnson
  • Start date Start date
M

macjohnson

Hi - I've been surfing the internet for a solution but yet to find
one. I'm trying to reinstall Win XP (mainly because of the quantity
of files and software installed on my old machine). I've got a Win XP
CD, and tried booting from that - but I can't delete my C partition -
so when the installation is complete, all my old files and software
are still there - even though I've specified not to repair but to
reinstall.

I've tried creating a boot floppy - but I either get an IO error (when
I created it from the computer itself), or a non system disk error
when I downloaded DOS 6 boot disk from the internet.

I'd just carry on and reinstall into a new partition, but the
unpartitioned area is exactly half the size of the C area, which seems
like a ridiculous waste of space with files I want removed because
they are slowing the system down.

Arghh! it's frustrating. It's MY computer, why can't I format it from
scratch????? Help!
 
To do a clean install, boot the Windows XP install CD-Rom. Setup inspects
your computer's hardware configuration and then begins to install the setup
and driver files. When the Windows XP Professional screen appears, press
ENTER to set up Windows XP Professional.

(Note: If your drive controller is not natively supported then you'll want
to boot the Windows XP CD-Rom. Then *F6* very early and very important (at
setup is inspecting your system) in the setup to prevent drive controller
detection, and select S to specify additional drivers. Then later you'll be
prompted to insert the manufacturer supplied Windows XP driver for your
drive controller in drive "A")

Read the license agreement, and then press the F8 key to accept the terms of
the license agreement and continue the installation.

When the Windows XP Professional Setup screen appears, all the existing
partitions and the unpartitioned spaces are listed for each physical hard
disk. Use the ARROW keys to select the partitions Press D to delete an
existing partition, If you press D to delete an existing partition, you must
then press L (or press ENTER, and then press L if it is the System
partition) to confirm that you want to delete the partition. Repeat this
step for each of the existing partitions When all the partitions are deleted
press F3 to exit setup, (to avoid unexpected drive letter assignments with
your new install) then restart the pc then when you get to this point in
setup again select the unpartitioned space, and then press C to create a new
partition and specify the size (if required). Windows will by default use
all available space.

Be sure to apply SP2 or at least these two below to your new install before
connecting to any network. Internet included. (sasser, msblast)
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
 
macjohnson said:
Hi - I've been surfing the internet for a solution but yet to find
one. I'm trying to reinstall Win XP (mainly because of the quantity
of files and software installed on my old machine). I've got a Win XP
CD, and tried booting from that - but I can't delete my C partition -
so when the installation is complete, all my old files and software
are still there - even though I've specified not to repair but to
reinstall.

I've tried creating a boot floppy - but I either get an IO error (when
I created it from the computer itself), or a non system disk error
when I downloaded DOS 6 boot disk from the internet.

I'd just carry on and reinstall into a new partition, but the
unpartitioned area is exactly half the size of the C area, which seems
like a ridiculous waste of space with files I want removed because
they are slowing the system down.

Arghh! it's frustrating. It's MY computer, why can't I format it from
scratch????? Help!
Click to expand...


After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation,, simply boot from the WinXP Home installation CD. You'll
be offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as
part of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order
of boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Then the backed up data can be restored and applications re-installed.


--

Bruce Chambers

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Take this link and look at How To Partition
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm Use the Recovery Console and
select the option to run DISKPART. Highlight the partitions found and use
the option to Delete them. This will only take a few seconds. Leave the XP
CD in the drive and type EXIT. The computer will reboot. The XP CD will boot
and you can run Setup
 
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