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more computer questions...why can't i format my hard drive?
im trying to reinstall windows XP and would like to format my hard drive so i can start with a nice fresh hard drive and a nice fresh copy of XP ive backed up all my data but i can't format my hard drive-it says 'windows cannot format this drive. Quit any disk utilities or any other programs that are using this drive and make sure that no window is displaying the contents of this drive, then try formatting again'
is this because windows in on the hard drive and as a result i will not be able to format the drive? please, i need some help!
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Andy 1980 SC soon to be big hp 3.3t powered 73RSR Replica (well, I'm keeping the engine but everything else is going  )
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03-04-2006, 01:16 PM
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Slackerous Maximus
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 18,196
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"is this because windows in on the hard drive and as a result i will not be able to format the drive? "
Yes. If you are running the operating system off from the C: drive, you cannot format the drive while the computer is booted. If you start the install process by booting off from the Windows XP CD, you should be able to format the drive. Does this computer have a floppy disk? If so, I could send you a floppy disk image that would let you format the drive automatically.
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2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor. 2012 Harley Davidson Road King 2014 Triumph Bonneville T100. 2014 Cayman S, PDK. Mercedes E350 family truckster. |
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03-04-2006, 01:22 PM
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its a laptop and i dont have floppy. ive tried booting off the cd but it warns me that there is already a copy of windows in the destination that i am putting the new copy of windows in and talks about the dangers of running two op systems.....hmmm....what do i do??
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Andy 1980 SC soon to be big hp 3.3t powered 73RSR Replica (well, I'm keeping the engine but everything else is going )
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03-04-2006, 01:25 PM
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???
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Andy 1980 SC soon to be big hp 3.3t powered 73RSR Replica (well, I'm keeping the engine but everything else is going )
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03-04-2006, 01:38 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,352
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Boot with teh install cd, format it from within the installer. You can use the quick format option, saves a bunch of time.
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“IN MY EXPERIENCE, SUSAN, WITHIN THEIR HEADS TOO MANY HUMANS SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN THE MIDDLE OF WARS THAT HAPPENED CENTURIES AGO.” |
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03-04-2006, 03:00 PM
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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03-04-2006, 03:13 PM
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Slackerous Maximus
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 18,196
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Quote:
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2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor. 2012 Harley Davidson Road King 2014 Triumph Bonneville T100. 2014 Cayman S, PDK. Mercedes E350 family truckster. |
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03-04-2006, 04:37 PM
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