formatting a harddrive

[edgeracer87]

If I want to format a hard drive to install windows xp professional, how do I do this?

[Allan]

Boot to the XP CD and before the install routine begins you'll be given the option to format.

[edgeracer87]

10-4 Thank you

[Allan]

You're welcome.

[Gpops]

I want to format a harddrive  but it won't list on "my computer" with my other harddrive in place and in it's own windows and other as a slave. I can put it in alone and it will go into windows but won't go anywhere. There is no program to open anything. I can go to windows update from control panel and on net that way but that is it. I thought I'd format it and reload windows but can't. Think I got some virus but anti virus finds nothing Keyboard won't work at startup. Wanted to do repair but again keyboard won't work. Other harddrive works fine in same computer. OS Name   Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Version   5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer   Microsoft Corporation
System Name   GPOPS-66561E3BA
System Manufacturer   939M2
System Model   939Dual-SATA2
System Type   X86-based PC
Processor   x86 Family 15 Model 35 Stepping 2 AuthenticAMD ~2400 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date   American Megatrends Inc. P2.30, 9/25/2006
SMBIOS Version   2.3
Windows Directory   C:\WINDOWS
System Directory   C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device   \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale   United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer   Version = "5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)"
User Name   GPOPS-66561E3BA\GPOPS
Time Zone   Central Standard Time
Total Physical Memory   2,048.00 MB
Available Physical Memory   1.40 GB
Total Virtual Memory   2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory   1.96 GB
Page File Space   3.85 GB
Page File   C:\pagefile.sys
Thanks for any help

[Geek-9pm]

Welcome to CH. This is the forum ever. But it is not a chat room and you did it right by putting all the info first. Do you have the original Install XP CD either from Microsoft or  the manufacturer?
Here are the general instructions.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/install-reinstall-uninstall
Please come back after you look it over.

[Gpops]

I did and I know that.   I tried to get into setup but pressing delete doesn't work.  ps2 for keyboard doesn't work either for both drives.  I've ran AVG and Trend Micro house calls anti virus and they find nothing.  Went to microsoft for keyboard drivers and nothing helps. With this drive everything works but can't get to set up. I'm puzzled. Don't know what to do. Never had this problem before. I have built other computers. But never ran into this. Thanks  If I can't get to setup I can't set it to open with DVD drive to repair windows or reinstall it. Yes I have original windows disk.

[patio]

Adding onto a Topic never works well because you don't get the individual attention even though your issue may be similar...
That being said what type of HDD is this and is it being recognised by the BIOS at boot time ? ?

[Gpops]

This one is a MAXTOR STM3320620A  320GB  and the one I am having the most problem with is a Maxtor Dimondmax 6L160PO 160GB

[Gpops]

This one is a MAXTOR STM3320620A  320GB  and the one I am having the most problem with is a Maxtor Dimondmax 6L160PO 160GB

    How do I do this use reply at bottom or quote?

[Gpops]

This one is a MAXTOR STM3320620A  320GB  and the one I am having the most problem with is a Maxtor Dimondmax 6L160PO 160GB

  I guess I use quote to reply huh?

[Gpops]

This one is a MAXTOR STM3320620A  320GB  and the one I am having the most problem with is a Maxtor Dimondmax 6L160PO 160GB

   How do I get into setup if delete won't work? Thanks

[patio]

At boot time on the bottom of the splash screen it will tell you what key/s to hit to enter Setup...

[Gpops]

At boot time on the bottom of the splash screen it will tell you what key/s to hit to enter Setup...

I did and it's f2 on this one and it works for this hard drive but with the other hard drive the keyboard only works in windows but not at startup. The ps/2 port for the keyboard doesn't work anymore. Only the usb for this wireless one I'm using now. Thanks