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Hello I'm currently using windows me and know very little about it except that it is causing frequent errors and I was hoping to completely get rid of everything on C drive then completely reinstall windows me. Is this possible? I tried to just use the restore disk but it wouldn't delete any of the old files. Whenever I try to format C drive it gives me an error message stating "windows cannot format this drive because it contains files in use by windows" I'm not sure what to do any help at all would be greatly appreciated!!
You have to boot off of a start up floppy disk in order to format the C: drive. You can not format a C: drive when you are running Windows or DOS on that drive.
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Hi Nic,
First you must have a "Startup" diskette (floppy). If you do not have one, go to
Start / Settings / Control Panel / Add/Remove Programs then select the Startup Disk tab and create one.
YOU DO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING WILL BE DELETED FROM THE HARD DRIVE ONCE FORMATTED??Now go to this link and print out the info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q255867#1
PRINT OUT INFO BEFOR PROCEEDING
Let me add one thing, before using the fdisk command, format C:\ to wipe it clean.
Install the Startup diskette,reboot, it should come up to a DOS help file, press "Esc" or "Alt" then "E", and this should get you to the A:\ prompt.
Type: "format C:\" (without quotes)
When it is done, reboot and follow the directions you printed out.
ALSO, if your puter is like mine and has an Overlay built in, it will probably say you don't need to run fdisk. That is fine just do what it says.
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One further point- Do you have a windows ME cd or just a restore cd? Some restore cd's DO NOT contain the windows setup files as they are located on the hard drive.
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Brants response offers instructions for someone who has a real windows cd and not a recovery cd. While these instructions may work for you they may not. Some pc makers are actually storing the recovery cd on the hd in an additional partition instead of providing a disk. Fdisking this partition may cause you to lose your operating system and require you to send the hd in for reloading by the manufacturer. If under warranty you will be ok. You may have to pay for shipping and be out of a computer for a while but if your not under warranty they may try and charge you for the recovery files. If you do run into this problem and they want you to pay for the OS just go out and buy a full version of windows and put the recovery disk nightmare behind you once in for all.
Response number 1 explains that you cant format c while running windows. You would be deleting the files needed to format so its not possible. The OS would in a sense paint itself into a corner.
Using a windows me startup disk allows you to format c:. The startup disk contains the format tools and can be run right from the floppy. This is your escape window from the painted floor :)
Len explains that not all computers have the same format/reinstall directions. If you have a recovery cd you should be prompted with two choices. #1 to format and reinstall and #2 to just reinstall. Ive had limited experience with recovery disks. All of my old HP's have these options. Things may have changed. The format and reinstall option is what your looking for. The other option just over writes existing windows files and folders in an attempt to recover something lost or corrupt.
If your recovery cd doesnt offer the format option you should contact your pc manufacturer for advice. Formatting with a windows me startup disk may cause you problems.
The best website ive found for offering instructions on reinstalling windows
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Shut,
Thanks for the info, I will be sure to ask about the CD they are using in the future. I wasn't aware some OEMs were cheesing out like that. Do you know any of the OEMs that are doing this?
Thanks
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hello brant my sony oem recovery cd s have full install along with junk.but it has norton or mcfee in there and if i reformat i get anther year of free virus up dates lol
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Microsoft have an article on the Windows CDs on how to do this and also on their website as indicated above. On the ME CD you'll find the excellent article in \addons\document\guide and it's called mqsg (believe it or not). The information you want starts about page 31. On a PC with ME already installed you will also find a similar article at C:\WINDOWS\OPTIONS\INSTALL\CLEANHD.TXT
Be very careful you have all your drivers and original disks for all your components and peripherals, or download latest versions before you start.
If you need the article mailed, mail me and I will send it.
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Old Compaq computers are my FAVORITE;);) *this is high sarcasm*
They actually put the BIOS utility on the hard drive. If you fdisk, you lose access to your BIOS.
Lovely... really.
I don't think they do this anymore, but I'm still trying to figure out why they did it in the first place.:p
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hey hey i have the same problem wit the first dude the error message "windows cannot format this drive because it contains files in use by windows" and so i try wit the start up disk and when it get to teh a:\ party well i type in "format C:\" and it say bad command.so wut should i do??????????
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If "format C:" from the A:\prompt doesnt work....
At the a: prompt type in "dir" without the quotes and make sure your startup disk contains format. If not try creating a new one with windows or downloading one here Bootdisk.com
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how to FORMAT A DRIVE C .I USING WINDOW XP
I TEST TO PUT A WINDOW ME STARUP DISK TO FORMAT
BUT FAIL ALREADY.CAN U TEACH ME HOW TO FORMAT
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Jimmy ANG,
It must be fate that led me to this thread. I was searching thru my old posts and found that you posted a reply here.First of all... when you have a question its best to start your own thread rather than reply to old ones. Sometimes people dont pay attention to the old ones any longer.
Heres a link to a microsoft article explaining how to use fdisk.
How to use fdisk and format tools
Good Luck.
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