Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: mdhughes03 on January 14, 2006, 05:26:26 AM
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Hi guys
I have a pretty old computer running windows xp and a while ago I got a worm and trojan which caused loads of problems so I ran my anti-virus software and re-installed windows. However on doing a search I can see that loads of files have not been erased when I've re-installed. I am unable to use the format command in DOS as I get an error that the disk does not support format, my cdrom drive is not bootable so I use a floppy to reinstall winodows. I really want to make sure I've wiped the hard drive clean-any ideas?
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...I am unable to use the format command in DOS...
1st-fdisk
2nd-format (format to FAT32 instead of NTFS)
FDISK SIMULATION (http://www.computerhope.com/sfdisk1.htm)
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Because Windows XP was installed on this computer it's likely that you've got it running NTFS, a file system that is not going to support the format command. You're going to need to get your CD-ROM to boot otherwise you're not likely going to be able to resolve this issue. If you really can't get a bootable floppy you could try creating a Windows XP bootable diskette. But I strongly suggest getting the bootable CD working.
Additional information and details about creating a Windows XP and other Windows boot disks can be found on the below link.
http://www.computerhope.com/boot.htm
Additionally if you're running format from within Windows you'll also get this error.