Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows NT/2000 => Topic started by: sacbldr on July 08, 2010, 08:58:51 PM

Title: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: sacbldr on July 08, 2010, 08:58:51 PM

I am re-installing windows 2000 so I can give my old computer to my daughter.  I want the c drive to be clean.  I have booted the cd and am at the screen asking what partition to install the program on.  I am unable to delete the existing partition.  I hit the D key and nothing happens.  Please help!

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: Allan on July 09, 2010, 12:40:43 AM

If you only have the one partition, just format it before installing.

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: sacbldr on July 09, 2010, 06:06:34 AM

There are two partitions - one about 19,000 MB with the current operating system and the other about 16 MB.  I try to delete the large one and nothing happens.  Also, now when I reboot without the CD in the drive the windows setup screen comes up every time and I have to choose the existing operating system for the computer to reboot.  Why would the setup screen still come up if there is nothing in the CD drive?

Regarding your answer, I am not sure how to reformat the existing partition.  I am sure I can find out how on this site however.  Thanks for the help.

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: patio on July 09, 2010, 07:58:28 AM

How are you trying to delete/recreate this partition and is this OS CD a Sharpie version ? ?
Sure sounds like one...

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: sacbldr on July 09, 2010, 10:49:17 AM

I don't know what Sharpie version means.  I think it is a legit cd.  I booted it and entered the key code, etc.  Now the computer boots to the screen where I have to choose between the setup version or the one already on the computer, even when the cd is not in the drive.  This is aggravating because if I'm not paying close attention, it automatically boots to the setup and I have to quit and start over.  Anyway, when I try the setup it gives me the option of deleting a partition or installing.  The only partition big enough for the new install is the one currently with os.  If I choose to install on this one it tells me there may be a problem with both os's on one partition, so I try to delete the partition by pressing the D key and nothing happens.
If I could just wipe the hard drive clean and then install I would do that.  Unfortunately I can't figure out how to do this either.  This whole process may be too difficult for a novice like me.  Any ideas?  Thanks!

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: Computer_Commando on July 09, 2010, 12:52:30 PM

Quote from: sacbldr on July 09, 2010, 06:06:34 AM

There are two partitions - one about 19,000 MB with the current operating system and the other about 16 MB....

Is this a Dell or HP? It probably wants to do a restore from the Restore Partition.
http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/index.htm

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: sacbldr on July 11, 2010, 03:17:52 PM

The system was built for me about 10 years ago, originally with Windows 98.  I installed or had installed Windows 2000 at some point.

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: Allan on July 11, 2010, 03:23:54 PM

Download a Win98 boot disc and boot to that. Format.

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: sacbldr on July 11, 2010, 05:03:17 PM

If I do that and format the c drive, then what can I expect when I put the windows 2000 disc in?

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: Allan on July 11, 2010, 05:07:45 PM

The installation routine should run fine.

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: sacbldr on July 11, 2010, 05:31:19 PM

Thanks very much!  I can go on line and download 98?  Is it free?

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: patio on July 11, 2010, 05:47:50 PM

The bootdisk is Free...
Bootdisk.com

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: sacbldr on July 12, 2010, 02:10:40 PM

Thanks!
I checked out bootdisk.com and it appears it is Microsoft site.  I assume it is OK to download from this site.  I am wondering why I should download Win98 and not Win2K boot disk, although 98 looks simpler.  Also, there are several versions of 98 available.  Does it matter which one I choose? 
As you can see, I really don't know what technically is happening when I do this.  As I understand it, once I install this boot disk and format my drive, it will be a clean drive.  Then I will be able to boot to the Windows 2000 installation disk, select a clean partition, and install the os.  Is this correct?
Thanks again!

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: patio on July 12, 2010, 02:29:56 PM

Legit site...

Win98SE w/CDRom support...

Yes it will boot to the Win2K CD after the format...providing the CD is legit and not a copy.

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: patio on July 12, 2010, 02:31:29 PM

PS  When you boot to the Win98 floppy the command is format C: /u and hit Enter.

When it finishes type in sys C: and hit Enter.

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: sacbldr on July 12, 2010, 03:05:10 PM

Muchas Gracias!!

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: patio on July 12, 2010, 03:08:45 PM

No problemo...

Title: Re: unable to delete partition while installing win 2K
Post by: sacbldr on July 12, 2010, 11:53:58 PM

Well, I knew it wasn't going to be that easy.
Windows 98 ES ......OEM or Custom without Ramdrive?
Do I need Mirror 1 or Mirror 2?
By disk do they mean a floppy disk?
Copied the OEM version to a CD and inserted it into the computer.  Nothing happened.  Properties said it was "read only".  Tried to open the CD drive and it asked me to insert another CD to write to.
I went to a DOS prompt and typed in c: /u and nothing happened.

I am clearly overmatched here.  I am wondering now if this is really necessary.  The computer works OK.  It just has a bunch of programs, hotfixes, etc.  I wanted to give a clean computer to my daughter's family.

Thanks for your efforts and comments.