hard drive format with xp?

Question

i have lost my xp disk, is it possible to format my hard drive while keeping xp operating system on but maybe putting it on a seperate partition so it dosen't get wiped??

Answer 1

Unfortunately there are no free solutions to your dilemma. :(

A program called PartitionMagic will allow you to clone your windows partition and create additional partitions on your existing hard drive. It's an exact fit for you and it's easy to use!

Answer 2

Humm, think it's no.
if your disk is partitionned, then you can reinstall the system partition with impacting the one(s) on which data are stored. Otherwise it is too late, and the disk is seen as a single partition.
I suggest these 2 options:
1. attach the drive to an other system and go for a copy of everything you need
2. try a restore from XP Install CD.

Answer 3

Why do you want to format your hard drive?

I don't understand this mania for formatting hard drives. Your hard drive is already formatted, what is the point in formatting it?

In theory you could clone your C drive to another partition or logical drive on the same hard drive using something like xxclone. You would then have to make the clone a bootable drive. Once you have cloned the drive and booted from it then you could format drive C.

Answer 4

If the drive had a physical crash then you are out of luck. If only the file table is corrupt then you may be able to use a 3rd party tool and recover your files. I believe you would need to use that drive as a slave and load a version of XP on a new master in order to access the original drive. If you can borrow a Same XP version to instal on your new drive then you may be able to call Microsoft and get your copy authenticated. Just tell them what happened or at least try it with MS to get a new KEY.

Answer 5

No, yuo can use something like Ghost or Acronis to take an image of XP

Answer 6

no yourre out of luck

Answer 7

Unfortunately not.