Help plse - Formatting C: under XP Pro - have a Setup screen glitch!!!
 

Hi all you IT boffins out there........(he says longfully:( )

I feel my PC is in need of a spring clean. Over the past 3 years I've added and removed programs, had viruses, detected spyware etc and am still having odd things happen that naturally shouldn't under XP SP2.

I'm wanting to format my C:\ as I feel this is the only way to rid my machine of all the cr@p that stays behind when you 'remove' applications under 'Control Panel', all the trojans etc and get my PC back to something like the lightning fast work aid it once was.

I've scoured the net to find the best way of doing a format under XP Pro and it seems it's best to do it via the Setup CD.

Firstly, I removed SP2 cos the setup wouldn't run under the 'later version of Windows' scenario

I run the setup, but don't see an option to format - there's only options to do a 'new' install or an 'upgrade'.

I chose 'new' and followed the normal screens. As setup commenced it seemed to go back to a DOS style blue screen with the command "to continue setup insert your 'Windows XP setup CD and press ENTER'. I do this but the message just remains. I can't seem to get the process to go past this screen. The only options I have on the DOS style screen are F3 to Exit and F8 to Continue which as just staed goes nowhere. Even when I eject the CD and re-insert it, nothing happens.

Does anyone know what may be causing this or how I can get around it please???

Shout if you need anymore info from me.

Many thanks, Guy

Hello

maybe not much help But installing XP can be a pain in the a**s and this is because for some reason it does not see devices installed/or it does, but does not like them. ie graphics cards/sound cards etc.

If it were me try and install in dos wipe the hard drive clean then try install XP from CD,

Sorry like I said not much help, but I am not in IT.

I am sure some peeps will give you better advice.

Good luck.

regards

TopiToo

Microsoft help
 

This article may assist you.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=313348

1. Restart with windows star-up disc in the A drive and the windows CD in the D drive.
2. Type A:\>FORMAT C: (YES)
3. VOLUME LABEL (11 CHARACTERS, ENTER FOR NONE)?
4. ENTER
5. A:\>E:\ (ENTER) (letter of CD ROM plus 1)
6. E:\>SETUP (ENTER)
7. Windows set-up will now start.

Do not start this unless you have all of the drivers you need that aren’t on the windows CD rom.
:roll:

Set your BIOS to boot from CD

Insert XP CD

Turn on PC

It will eventually get to a point to choose an existing partition, you can delete these, delete the OS (C: partition) and format with NTFS (quick)

Voila

drop me a U2U if you get stuck

Thanks fellas,

Will have another go later tonight.

SP. in your instructions on Step 5 bearing in mind my CD drive is 'E' - would I put

5. A:\>F:\
6. F:\>SETUP

Is that what you mean by "(letter of CD ROM plus 1)"

JP - will alter the BIOS to CD boot first and try that one first.

Watch this space.

Thanks, Gc

Yes, if your drive is E not D.

Your just telling your computer to read the disc in the drive.

With the aid of the drivers on the start up disc.

Yes set BIOS to read from CD drive before Floppy drive, restart PC and "press any key to boot from CD" follow instructions, format using NTFS.

[Edited on 8-3-2005 by sharpo]