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Microsoft => Microsoft DOS => Topic started by: Lang on December 20, 2009, 11:27:17 PM

Title: Format c: not working?
Post by: Lang 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
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: ghostdog74 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?
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: Lang 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?
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: Windows98 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.
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: Lang 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
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: Allan 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.
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: kareem eltanahy 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
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: BC_Programmer 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.
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: kareem eltanahy on December 25, 2009, 05:25:31 AM
allright
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: Bukhari1986 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
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: Lang on December 27, 2009, 03:11:58 AM
Thanks for your feedback, greatly appreciated..
Title: Re: Format c: not working?
Post by: kareem eltanahy on December 28, 2009, 06:49:53 AM
no proplem