For some reason I can't format the C drive on XP because it keeps on saying its still being used from another application. I tried F8 during reboot and the closest one it has to command prompt only is "safe mode and command prompt". But its still giving me the same problem. I want to format my C! =)

Insert your winXP CD reboot, wait.... then the CD should give you a screen with the option to format... I have a recovery CD that come with my computer. I don't know how the original XP CD works, but you should have three options. 1)clean format, which will erase everything, and reinstall winXP. 2)just reinstall the winXP files ( in case some were damaged, without erasing any of you files, programs, etc).. and the third option.... hmmm, I forgot. sorry :)

I always use a DOS disc that has the format command. Simply boot up into dos and type format c: from your a: prompt. Try www.bootdisk.com if you don't have one. You can also use software that came with your harddrive if you need to partition as well, but I would still format the c-drive with your DOS disk after.

Sorry, I must amend my previous statement. If you are using FAT32 then this is no problem. If you are using NTFS then you have at least two options: 1)low-level format using a disk like the quantum eraser then format/partition with a disk from your harddrive manufactuer 2)your Windows XP CD Sorry about the confusion. I hope this helps?

I am having the same problem and get the same run-around. I tried going to command prompt and typing in DISKPART and remove, clean, and numerous methods and get the error that no volume, partition or disk is specified. I tried clean c, clean c:, clean c:\ and other combinations with the same results. I did get to the "this will delete everything from the drive" or something like that and when I said "y" it comes back with something about forcing an unmount or forced mount, and when I tell it yes, it comes back that it is unable to do this. Why is it so dang hard to format the drive now? If I didn't want to reformat, that sucker would be gone in a flash. HELP!!

use the windows 95/98 startup disk and let it boot to dos format your drive and reboot make sure your board settings are set to boot from cdrom 1st insert your winxpdisc and away you go

FORMATTING While running your current version of XP , insert the XP CD in the drive. When the setup menu appears, select "New Installation" (clean install) from the pull-down menu. Also, select "Advanced" and place checkmarks in the two boxes. 2. Next, your computer will start copying files and then reboot. At this point, select the same drive/partition that Windows XP is currently installed on. Select the option to "format" this partition using either FAT32 or NTFS. 3. After the drive/partition is formatted, XP will begin the setup process and install "clean". 4. After registering and activating XP, be sure to run a "Defrag". For details: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp Note: It is important to visit the web site of the manufacturer of your computer to obtain any special XP drivers.