Failed disk partition - I can't format or do anything - help!?

Question

I had a problem with zombie malware turning my laptop into a spamming machine, so I tried to rescue the situation by formatting my PC.

First though, I tried creating a disk partition, and installed Windows 98 into the new primary partition. It wouldn't let me create one though (I tried everything - primary partitions, extended partitions, logical drive etc).

So, I tried to format my PC - but the DOS prompt wouldn't let me - it said that something else was using the C drive. When I tried to force close, it said that it couldn't lock the C drive and so couldn't format.

So, I gave up and turned my PC off. Now, however, when I try turning it on, I get an error message saying that my partition is invalid. I can't do anything at this point - it just stops the start-up process.

What can I do? I have a Toshiba Equium - I can't access the DOS prompt to format the disc and I can't get it to start-up to access the DOS prompt. All I can access is the start-up spec by pressing F2. Help!

Answer 1

Download & use this free utility to correct the problem :

http://partitionlogic.org.uk/

Partition Logic is a free hard disk partitioning and data management tool.

It can create, delete, format, defragment, resize, and move partitions and modify their attributes. It can copy entire hard disks from one to another.

Partition Logic is free software, based on the Visopsys operating system. It boots from a CD or floppy disk and runs as a standalone system, independent of your regular operating system. It is intended to become a free alternative to such commercial programs as Partition Magic, Drive Image, and Norton Ghost...

regards,
Philip T

Answer 2

Get a hold of a Windows 98 startup disk on a floppy, boot to the A prompt, and run FDISK.

From there, you can partition, format, and then install Win 98.

Answer 3

hmmmm I suggest going to your local computer store and picking up a new hard drive for about 10-20 bucks then putting your OS on there... since your hard drive is very infected with malware- it is probably useless unless you can get into the bios on startup. If you can manage to get in there... please post and I will help you in formatting your hard drive.