2006-09-06 16:25:05 · 8 answers · asked by xman 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
you can format your HDD thru a floppy. Create a start-up disk first before reformatting.
the problem is, you can't install windows or any OS without a CD Drive. It's eitheir you already have a copy or back up of windows setup in your partitioned drive or maybe it's time for you to buy a CD Drive.
2006-09-06 16:29:02 · answer #1 · answered by ynupq 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. If you are formatting the C drive, you need to boot from a floppy disk and use DOS to format the C drive. Start the computer using a startup floppy disk.
2. Turn on the computer. The screen should show the A:\ prompt.
3. Type CD C: to switch to the C drive.
4. Type "FORMAT C: \S \V". This command formats the hard disk, transfers the appropriate system files to make it a startup disk, and prompts you for a new name. The "\V" command is optional.
5. Enter the new disk name.
6. Eject the floppy disk and restart the computer. The hard disk is ready to receive files.
Warnings:
The format procedure deletes all files on the hard disk. This action is not reversible. Be sure to back up any files you want to keep.
How to create a startup disk?
Insert a Blank Floppy
Right Click on A: Drive
Choose Format
Choose, Start UP Disk
Click OK
OK
Done, You're Ready to Go. Good Luck
2006-09-06 23:33:07 · answer #2 · answered by Devil Dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on why you want to format your hard drive.....
....a simple boot disk should do it. If you know someone who has Windows 98 ask them to make you a boot disk. You can also find them on-line if you do a search for one, then create the floppy from the file provided (usually ISO). Put it into the floppy drive on the computer you want to format the HD, turn on the computer, wait for it...
Format c:
You realize of course that this would be a bad thing to do if you wanted to actually USE that harddrive or had data on it you wanted.... Don't confuse this as a way to prevent someone from seeing your data. I can read data from a formatted drive in about 10 minutes or so using free tools I have available.
_Rob
2006-09-06 23:31:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OS = operating system
You can obtain a copy of any OS and burn it onto a cd.
Linux is freeware so you could obtain it for free, most of it at least. Then burn it onto a CD.
You can do something technical and hook up a secondary hard drive to your main hard drive and only format the main hard drive and use the secondary hard drive as the OS resource. Or save the OS information onto a memory stick.
2006-09-06 23:31:57 · answer #4 · answered by Robin C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is one way.
You have to take your HD out. And attach to another computer to format it.( I hope you know how to do it, but turn power off, unplug the power cord of the computer before)
But even after that you will need a cd to install software on it.
2006-09-06 23:33:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to format a floppy disk as a system disk, then copy fdisk.exe to it. fdisk can be found here
http://www.23cc.com/free-fdisk/
2006-09-06 23:35:21 · answer #6 · answered by metallhd62 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
goto my computer goto hard drive and rightclick
select" format"
2006-09-06 23:29:42 · answer #7 · answered by Hoku S 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
those are experts....
now you know...
need more info?
just post them here.....
2006-09-07 00:14:45 · answer #8 · answered by erwin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋