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Hi
ive got a problem i want to format my c drive but everytime i try it, it says this to the following text '' cannot formatdrive, dismount first''
so i said yes
then it said '' cannot lock the drive, it is still in use''HELLLLPPP MEEEE
THANX
MCE
U can't fromate C drive while u use Windows. U can use third party software named Partition magic. But, after then ur al data and windows will be erased and u've to Install again.
On the other hand U can use WinXp's cd or fdisk to formate C drive.
Good Luck
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http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb%3Ben-us%3BQ313348
scroll down to see how to format with win xp
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You can reformat the partition by using the format command on a '98 boot-disk; or via XP setup routine (CD boot or the floppies).
You don't need to spend your pennies on PM etc.
Using '98 boot-disk:
If (currently) the partition is ntfs, and not using XP setup to reformat it (fat32/ntfs), then (using '98 boot-disk Fdisk util) first you remove the partition, and then recreate it (again via Fdisk), and then format it - via the '98 boot-disk format util. (ntfs shows up under Fdisk inspections as a non-dos partition.) If it's already fat32, simply run the command:format c:
from a dos (a:>\ ) prompt - having booted up with a '98 boot-disk (with large-drive support enabled).
XP setup route:
Run XP setup routine to reformat it as fat32/ntfs.Fdisk tutorial:
http://www.compguystechweb.com/index.html
BEFORE you start out... ensure you have backed-up/saved your data off the drive - somewhere safe.
Also if intending to wipe the drive and start afresh, I suggest you reconfigure it to have both Primary and Extended partitions; Primary for OS/apps/utils, Extended for data. This way you can safely reformat the Primary at any time (and thus re-install etc.) without affecting data in Extended partition (unless one is really careless...). Allow say 5Gig for XP - balance of drive for data? Also you can sub-divide the Extended partition into two or more 'logical-drives' - for ease of data organisation, and easier/faster defrags.
The link above covers both deleting partitions and recreating them - Primary, Extended and logical-drives...
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LISTEN I TRIED SOMETHING ELSE:
WHEN I START WINDOWS IT ASKS ME TO CHOOSE WHICH OPERATING SYSTEM I WANT TO LOAD AND IT HAS TWO OF CHOICE WHICH ARE WINDOWS XP PRO AND MS-DOS
WHEN I PRESS ENTER ON MS-DOS AND THE FOLLOWING TEXT APPEARES
Starting Windows Millennium...The following file is missing or corrupt:
c:\msdos7\system\vmm32.vxd
Type the name of the widows loader
(e.g., c:\windows\system\vmm32.vxd)
C>_((( And whenever i try to type anything it say ''the following file is missing or corrupt i mean anything even ''DIR'' )))
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You say initially you want to format the drive - this means you erase it all and start afresh.
With that in mind... either you start learning 'a little' how to do some of the basics with computers, or you take it to someone who will do it for you; or at least be there and show you what to do, and hold your hand as you do it yourself and learn in the process.
The links I posted (and some other folks too) would allow you have a go and lose nothing in the process. You would actually learn a lot - and with a little patience and study - and perhaps a few refences/tips from here, acatully succeeed in doing it all (or most of it) yourself?
At the every least you could learn how to reformat the drive as is; then re-install your OS etc. Going the extra bits (two partitions) is no big jump; especially if you read the tutorials offered.
Again as you intend to wipe/erase (i.e. reformat) the drive, what do you have to lose? If there's nothing on it you wish to keep, why not have a go - and learn in the process?
If you have data on the drive as is to keep/preserve, then you may need a little local help in that regard?
Have a go - you have everything to gain?
If you use the Partition Magic approach then you have a lot to read/understand/learn...
Whichever way you go - is not time to do some learning?
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really easy,put in the win 98 boot disk and reboot your pc and let everything load and when it prompts you about choosing your options,make sure with cdrom support is highlighted then you will have an A: prompt.At this prompt just type in format c: and then hit enter and it will say all data will be lost are you sure?..you hit Y for yes and then hit enter and there ya go..let it format.
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 XP theme gone!
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WinXP network problem.
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