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Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: geek hoodlum on April 16, 2010, 06:00:38 AM

Title: reformatting hard drive w/ Windows XP
Post by: geek hoodlum on April 16, 2010, 06:00:38 AM
Okay, my friend ask me to reformat his desktop computer. He's currently using Windows XP Home. A 500GB hard disk partitioned in 2 drives. System files are in C Drive, while his data files are in D Drive.

I found the instructions here CH000647 (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000647.htm) but I have questions...
My friend asked me to reformat only the C Drive and install Windows XP Professional. The D Drive must remain the same and no data files should be deleted. In my experiences, I reformat all the drives and fresh installed the Windows XP. Am I in a safe side if I reformat only the C Drive? Can anyone give me the safe instructions on how to reformat the C drive only and without deleting the D drive?
Title: Re: reformatting hard drive w/ Windows XP
Post by: Allan on April 16, 2010, 06:25:56 AM
Boot to the XP CD and start the install process. You will be asked where you want to install it - say c: drive. You will be asked if you want to format the drive first - say yes. That's it.

Do not delete any partitions and do not tell the system to format d: drive. The only way you can do any harm to d: drive is if you specifically command the system to do something to it.
Title: Re: reformatting hard drive w/ Windows XP
Post by: bav_ivek2003 on April 16, 2010, 08:07:27 AM
it will prompt in which drive you wish to install operating system,in that one just select thats it.
Title: Re: reformatting hard drive w/ Windows XP
Post by: Allan on April 16, 2010, 08:10:34 AM
it will prompt in which drive you wish to install operating system,in that one just select thats it.
No, that's not it.
Please just follow the instructions in my post above.
Title: Re: reformatting hard drive w/ Windows XP
Post by: geek hoodlum on April 17, 2010, 06:34:09 AM
Thank you!
Title: Re: reformatting hard drive w/ Windows XP
Post by: Allan on April 17, 2010, 12:46:06 PM
Sure thing.
Title: Re: reformatting hard drive w/ Windows XP
Post by: Geek-9pm on April 17, 2010, 03:32:13 PM
He may still fail. He has to have the correct XP install disk.
And the Drive has to conform to XP MBR  rules.
He can watch the video of a typical RE INSTALL where there are two partitions, C and D. If his install does not look like the video, he needs to give more info.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDLkfyeDIB0