How do I format my C drive?

Question

When I try to reinstall windows and hit delete C it won't let me because it says there are files there. I can't boot off of a cd either because my cd drive does not work anymore, and I don't have any other disk drive other than a USB DVD/CD drive. Is it possible to boot from the USB DVD drive?
How else can you reformat your C drive and then reinstall windows without a CD drive?

Answer 1

I think that you will have to get a new internal CD drive. The cheapest might be about $20 at a place like STAPLES. http://www.NewEgg.com has cheap ones for under $13.

OH, I am assuming that you have a Desktop. If you have a Laptop, then you might have to check your BIOS to see if it can BOOT from your USB drive. (probably not).

Answer 2

You can get download the files needed for a boot up without a bootable cd-rom from the Micorsoft website. You didn't say what operating system, but the site is for Windows XP.

Answer 3

Since you are using Control-C at start up, I assume Windows is still operating.

For XP, start your computer in safe mode. Use F8 before Windows starts. You will see a menu of options. Select "Start in MS DOS".
When in DOS, use the Format C:/ command.

For Windows 98, choose "Restart Computer in MS DOS" at shut down.

Then use the Format C:/ command when in DOS.

If Windows is not starting and you are in MS DOS, try using the "erase *.*/h" command to remove the files you mentioned, then try to reformat. If you cannot access Windows or MS DOS, you are screwed unless you can get an MS DOS start disk.

.

.