Unable to delete partition

Question

My computer has been infected with a slew of spyware/adware, Generic BackdoorTrojan.c, and a virus, which I couldn't find any information on anywhere. I can't remember the name of it right now. I deleted what I could and did a dirty install of Windows XP which brought back a lot of functionality and I am no longer getting the virus found notices, but I'm trying to do a clean install of Windows XP SP1 Pro on my Dell Dimension 4550 to make sure all of it is truly gone. When I try to delete the NTFS partition during Setup, I keep getting this error message: 'Setup is unable to perform the requested operation on the selected partition. This partition contains temporary Setup files that are required to complete the installation.' I can't figure out how to get around this. Also, my bootable Windows XP CD won't boot, even after I configured the BIOS to boot from the CD rom. I haven't tried bootable floppies yet, though. I'm tired of messing around with this thing. Does anyone have any suggestions???

osprey4 · Answer

Two things to check. First, if you have more than one CD/DVD drive, try the other drive. The Windows disc can only boot from the master device. Second, try setting the first boot device as the floppy and the second as the CD-ROM. After the computer sees nothing in the floppy, it should check the CD drive.

msil217 · Answer

Did you try putting the CD in the CD ROM, rebooting, while tapping the "F12" button? (Do this before it boots to Windows)

If you are able to boot, but cannot Delete the partition, a third party program may be able to help to erase the HD.

Black-Roze · Answer

First Of all check in windows (if u can) how large the part is if it is the 70 mb part then u cant delete it cuz it contains security stuff fro ur bios and more and insted of re installing xp when the dell logo comes att start upp press ctrl + F11 simutainosly to enter  Img restore this restores ut com and installs all drivers as it was when u bhought it then after that flash ur bios and reset nv ram by lifting a jumper on the mother board an resiting it again after 4 sec and if that dosent work then reply here and i will telle u what to do!!!

simpswr · Answer

and watch for a prompt 'Press any key to boot from CD' . . do that and you will be able to delete partitions and recreate the ones you want and proceed to formating and installing XP.  That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot.  This is a good guide for reinstalling on a Dell:  http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm wrs

obsydiansun · Answer

Thank you all for taking the time to try and help me.

Special thanks to Osprey! I didn't even think about using the DVD drive. DUH! Once I put the Setup disk in the DVD everything went smooth as butter. I got everything loaded and now I'm back up and running. YAY! Thanks again...:smileytongue:

Storage, Drives & Media

Unable to delete partition

Was this post helpful?