when I try to format my c-drive I get the message your volume is in use how can I format it or turn it off ?

Question

My VAIO pc with windows xp will not let me reformat it, it says the volume is in use by another ____?How can I turn it off (volume) so I can reformate my pc?

Answer 1

You realize that formatting your hard drive will erase everything on it, right? You'll have to reinstall windows, all of your programs, start a new address book, get new tunes to add, right?

To format the hard drive, start the computer at a command prompt. As the computer is starting, keep tapping the F8 key. Select DOS prompt.

You can format the hard drive from there using the 'format' command.

Again, caution! You will destroy everything on your computer if you format your hard drive.

Answer 2

Try booting up with the restore CD, there should be an option for you reformat your drive. Just remember, you can't format the drive if you are logged in to Windows.

Answer 3

Boot up to the Windows XP cd and go through the installation process.

Answer 4

Your operating system(OS) is running from C-Drive and you are trying to format the C-Drive while the OS is running.

You need to restart your computer using MS-DOS Startup floppy and then try formatting your C-Drive.

WARNING - Formatting will erase all data from C-Drive.

Answer 5

you can not format c drive when win is running
restart and boot with winxp intallation cd you can format and partion in win xp setup wizard

Answer 6

format it with the boot from cd option....try formatting it when u restart the pc enabling the boot frm cd option

Answer 7

You need to boot from something else than your primary hard drive, like from a floppy disk or bootable CD-ROM.