I have an HP Invent notebook w/Windows XP. I'm trying to either Format my hard drive or (Re)Install Windows XP using the Recovery Disk. But neither is working. When I try to Format the hard drive I get a message saying, "Windows cannot format this drive. Quit any disk utilities or other programs that are using this drive, and make sure that no window is displaying the contents of the drive. Then try formatting again." Well, I didn't have anything up, etc. I mean I ran it as soon as I booted the computer, and even tried formatting in Diagnostic Mode. Didn't work.
Then I tried running the recovery disk that came w/the notebook as a way to start from scratch. I could hear it booting - then nothing.
I tried it both ways: Starting computer w/CD already in & Booting from the CD AND running the CD from Windows explorer. Can someone please tell me what to do from here?
NOTE: Please no answers re: antivirus or antispyware. At this point, I need to clean the entire hard drive. Thanks.
Hate to sound like a dork…but how do I create a partition exactly? I know where to go to for Computer Management, and I was able to delete a partition…just don't know how to recreate it from there. Help.
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3 responses so far ↓
1 w153r // Jun 29, 2008
In your BIOS, you need to change your boot order to read from your cd/dvd drive first.
2 Salman A // Jun 29, 2008
You cannot format the *windows* partitions from *windows*. Tell you what, boot from cd and begin installation.
To boot from CD you need to enter the BIOS and change the boot order - make your cd/dvd drive to be the first thing in boot order (that'd be another question as process is different for each brand of computer).
During installation, it'll ask you where to install, showing you list of partitions. Select the "C" partition. When asked to format using NTFS/FAT/QUICK/Keep Existing, choose "Format using NTFS".
** This will erase everything and install XP from scratch **.
Tip: You may also want to delete and re-create partitions at this stage. Do this if you are sure.
3 James B // Jun 29, 2008
Insert the disk and cancel anything that pops up.
Restart and keep hitting F12 and delete
In the menu goto either boot order or CMOS setup.. can't quite remember which one but change the boot order to the recovery disk (probably drive D:) You will understand it when you see it, it works from top to bottom on the menu.
Press F10 to save and exit and reboot.
Watch the magic happen
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