How do I format drive c I have tried doing it using "start" "run" FORMAT C: but this dont work. XP

Answer 1

Put Your XP disk in and asks you if you want to delete all the info on drive C then creates a new partition to load the system on, extremely easy with XP, not like 98 s fun and games.Do make sure that you have a complete version of XP and not a recovery disc! A useful website to look at is howstuffworks the link is below.
Good luck
Andy

Answer 2

you need a bootup disk, like the Windows 98 boot disk.
(floppy drive anyone?)
You insert your floppy bootup disk, and restart your pc, with A: drive as your first drive sequence.
When if starts, you'll end up with a black dos screen with the following:

A: _
the '_' will be flashing.
Type in format C: so it looks like this:
A: format c:
and hit return.
This will format the C drive, ready for your installation.
when you've formatted the C partition, change directory to your CD drive, by typing in that drive letter like this:
C: D:
then hit return.
then enter XP setup by typing it in like this.
D: setup.exe
The disc should start spinning and the setup.exe file should be executed in which it should start installing your XP back onto your newly formatted HDD :)

Hope this helps.
Ohhh by the way, the reason why Start>Run.Format C: didn't work is because you can't format C because Start, and windows was running on the C drive when you typed it, that's why you have to exit windows by restarting your system. If your system is on, then your on the C drive.
(without getting technical-assuming you only have the one partition)

Answer 3

Format C is not the Dos command you need to use You need to type C:Fdisk
Another way you can do it is put your XP in your CD ROM and reboot your PC. Instead of going through the step by step formatting of the computer with the blue screen, your screen will be a greenish color and you will have to give a yes or no at times when it asks you questions.

Answer 4

there are some ok answers here, the only thing I want to add is:
Ensure you are not using a proprietary machine. I.E. a dell compaq E-machines or something like that. If you are be completely and entirely sure you a have a "full" recovery disc. If you are not sure go to the manufacturer's website and check the FAQ or email them a question.
If you attempt to do a major change and run into problems (especially if it is your only internet accessable platform) you may be in for big problems. So be sure of what your doing before you start and be sure you got what you think you got before you start.

Answer 5

the finest thank you to do it is utilising the xp installation cd. Boot from the disk once you initiate the laptop and stick to the instructions as in case you have been to do a clean installation. once you attain the ingredient the place they ask you the place to place in domicile windows xp, % your c force and use the format determination. while completed formatting, cancel the xp installation. you ought to do a restoration on your d force. If the c force installation became there formerly you put in xp on the d force the two installations would be utilising shared boot information. Formatting c will then forestall you from booting up into d. If this happens, pop interior the xp cd lower back, boot from it and choose the restoration installation determination.

Answer 6

start a new installation of xp. leave xp disc in, reboot the system, through the process it will ask you if you want to format, click yes, it will ask you do you want to save data, you dont, so click no, then go from there, its quite simple really. good luck.

Answer 7

yes, you can not do it when under XP since the C drive hosts the system....
so you need to use any bootable CD (your XP CD, linux CD, etc) or a DOS floppy to boot on...

Answer 8

u need 2 boot from ur xp cd, delete the parition, then make a new one

Answer 9

if you format c you will loose you opperating system your pc will never work again untill you reinstal windows

Answer 10

try a destructive recovery ! its the same thing
go to syatem tools then system restore then chose the option destructive recovery