I have a old computer (3 yrs. old) sitting in my house that caught a virus, so I decided to fix it. Messing around i tried to install the emachines winXP cd in it- which does not work on anything else but an emachine, and the old pc, of course, is not one- and now I cannot remove it to install the regular windows xp cd.
Does anyone have any ideas how should I remove it?
And how can I reach DOS when i reboot my computer?
How can I format my C: drive?
2006-07-19 03:16:39 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
To reach DOS you need to hit F8 right before you enter the Windows Login Screen and it will take you to safe mode. Set it so that it boots to MS COMMAND and then try reformatting your computer before you partition your hard drive using the XP CD.
To format just use the format c: command on your DOS command prompt. Make sure you make any backups because it will erase all data.
To format your harddrive you will need to get a recovery disc or a Windows CD.
No boot disc is necessary unless you are trying to install Windows 95.
The recovery disc will usually come with your computer, if you dont have one, you will need to call your computer manufacturing company and order one.
The recovery disc and the windows CD will partition your harddrive and it will wipe out your memory and start from fresh.
2006-07-19 03:21:13 · answer #1 · answered by Sean I.T ? 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
It depends on what operating system you are currently using.
In Windows 98, you have to boot up your computer and load windows. Once loaded, click Start>Shutdown. Then select the bullet labeled "Restart computer in MS-DOS Mode."
In Windows 2000 and XP, I think you have to go to Start>Run and type in "cmd.exe" (without the quotes).
After following these steps for all windows operating systems, the next part is the same: in command, type in "format c:" (without the quotes). When prompted with the "are you sure" message, type in 'y' and press enter.
Once this is done, insert your windows cd (of whichever operating system you wish to install) and restart your computer. You should then load the setup off the cd and install windows.
Good luck!
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2006-07-19 03:26:02 · answer #2 · answered by justgenius12 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try constantly tapping your F8 key as you are booting up. You should come up to a special boot menu with a choice of booting to DOS. Your mouse won't work at this time so use the arrows on your keyboard to highlight your choice then press enter. Once you get to DOS, you should be able to reformat. I believe the command is format C:
2006-07-19 03:22:36 · answer #3 · answered by shirley_corsini 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just put the old computer's hardisk on another computer and format it
2006-07-19 03:21:58 · answer #4 · answered by ybs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋