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Author Topic: Format c: not working?  (Read 6397 times)

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Lang

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    Format c: not working?
    « on: December 20, 2009, 11:27:17 PM »
    Hello,

    I am using Windows XP and am trying to format my c: hard drive.   However, when I have put in the boot floppy disk and the A: prompt comes up, and pressing enter with "format c:", my pc states "bad command or file name". 

    I am now stuck, i cant get XP working again or access the c: drive?

    I would appreciate any help.

    Regards

    Lang

    ghostdog74



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      Re: Format c: not working?
      « Reply #1 on: December 20, 2009, 11:33:01 PM »
      why do you need to use floppies in this day? you should have the windows XP installation CDs right?

      Lang

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        Re: Format c: not working?
        « Reply #2 on: December 20, 2009, 11:46:46 PM »
        Yes I do but I can't get any other directory from the dos prompt than the a: drive?

        Windows98



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        Re: Format c: not working?
        « Reply #3 on: December 21, 2009, 12:30:42 AM »
        Hello,

        I am using Windows XP and am trying to format my c: hard drive.   However, when I have put in the boot floppy disk and the A: prompt comes up, and pressing enter with "format c:", my pc states "bad command or file name". 

        I am now stuck, i cant get XP working again or access the c: drive?

        I would appreciate any help.

        Regards

        Lang


        It has been a while since I used a Windows98 Boot disk.. Also are you using a boot disk?

        Here is some info: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000186.htm

        I dont remember what the /s is for, but I think you needed something after format C:

        Anyways, if you have an XP CD and want to run it to erase your Hard Drive, then hit Delete, F8,F2 depending on your computer to enter system setup.

        What you want to look for is Boot Sequence or First Boot. Second Boot. Anything indicating what drives you want and in what order. Just select CD-ROM as your first choice pop in your XP CD and then save and exit.

        When the computer restarts it will scan the CD drive to see if it can run, if it can then hit any key to launch. Just follow installation instructions and you should be able to format.

        My way of formating is 1.Delete Partion then 2. Install, and it will format for you.


        As far as I know you can not run XP installation from Dos.

        Lang

          Topic Starter


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          Re: Format c: not working?
          « Reply #4 on: December 21, 2009, 01:23:06 AM »
          Hi Windows98,

          Thanks very much.  I followed your advice and the XP load appears to be going well.  Primarily it was your tip about pushing the delete key to get the boot screen.

          Thanks very much!

          Cheers

          Lang

          Allan

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          Re: Format c: not working?
          « Reply #5 on: December 21, 2009, 05:54:24 AM »
          and the /s switch is to put the system files on the drive during format (ie, format c: /s) making it the system drive.

          kareem eltanahy



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            Re: Format c: not working?
            « Reply #6 on: December 24, 2009, 04:06:38 PM »
            try to make format virus for partition i had this problem i created the virus from another pc the booted the cd in the computer as potable cd the it will format automatic

            BC_Programmer


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            Re: Format c: not working?
            « Reply #7 on: December 24, 2009, 11:19:06 PM »
            This whole exercise was unnecessary... XP setup let's you delete and recreate partitions as you wish.
            I was trying to dereference Null Pointers before it was cool.

            kareem eltanahy



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              Re: Format c: not working?
              « Reply #8 on: December 25, 2009, 05:25:31 AM »
              allright

              Bukhari1986



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                Re: Format c: not working?
                « Reply #9 on: December 27, 2009, 12:54:51 AM »
                the partitions may be formatted in NTFS so it is not accessable in DOS.

                It can only be formatted through the xp installation Disc, or other softwares

                Lang

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                  Re: Format c: not working?
                  « Reply #10 on: December 27, 2009, 03:11:58 AM »
                  Thanks for your feedback, greatly appreciated..

                  kareem eltanahy



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                    Re: Format c: not working?
                    « Reply #11 on: December 28, 2009, 06:49:53 AM »
                    no proplem