problems reformatting

Question

Hi, I am trying to reformat my computer and have managed to reformat the D drive, but it will not allow me to reformat the C drive, a message comes up 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."

As far as I am aware, there are no other utilities etc open - however, we have been having problems with processes running in the background (which shouldnt be). Could these be affecting the format option? We have tried spyware, adaware and virus check. Not sure what else to do, any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Dimension 4600P4 with HT technology 3.0GHz 800fsb

Win XP SP1

128MB DDR NVidia GeForce FX5200

Hard Drive 2X80 GB (160GB)

512MB DDR400 Dual Chanel Memory (2X256)

Creative Labs SB live 5,1 Sound Card

IIOMEGA CDDVD 522416EC-USB DRIVE

TEAC DVD+RW DV W58E

Message Edited by mahjongg on 07-24-2005 06:45 AM

msgale · Answer

While running WIndows XP, you can not format the drive that the opertating system was loaded from.  In you case that would be 'C' drive.  To format 'C' drive you need to boot from the operating system CD, start an installation of Windows XP and stop after the format step early in the process.

mahjongg · Answer

Ahhhh, tks, will give it ago.

mahjongg · Answer

Oh dear, tried following those instructions, but need a microsoft code for the disc, which wasnt given to me by dell. Phoned dell and was told my warranty has run out and need to pay £21.00 to be connected to Software Support. I wouldnt need to do that if Dell had given me the codes, but also the woman on the phone said that I need Software Support to be able to reformat the C drive anyway!!! Any suggestions, or do I need to pay to speak to Software Support?? I expect I am already paying just by phoning them!! Tks

msgale · Answer

Let me ask the question differently - what is your ultimate goal after reformattinmg or why do you want to reformat your C drive?

mahjongg · Answer

We think we have a virus on our sons user account, that completely messes everything up i.e all sorts of problems occur eg. it crashes, we cant get on to our internet etc if he tries to go on it. We have always had trouble with the other user account in one way or another, so we want to reformat to get rid of virus and then just have one user. Our virus checker etc does not pick up any problems, but there is definately something seriously wrong with the other user account. Im presuming its a virus, quite an amateur at this really!!!! As you can probably see!!!! :smileyvery-happy:

Also, we have had problems with IBIS Toolbar and Huntbar etc, which Spyware Doctor appears to get rid of, but they seem to keep coming back.

Computer runs really slow sometimes, takes ages to load when booting up as well, not always - I guess all sorts of strange things happen. We have 2.2 mb broadband, so shouldnt take long to load web sites etc, but sometimes they take ages

Our son uses Ebay and iTune alot, could these sites be causing problems??

Also, we have lots of running processes going on in the background, which we don't think should be running.

We are using McAfee

Thanks

Message Edited by mahjongg on 07-25-2005 01:35 PM

Message Edited by mahjongg on 07-25-2005 01:36 PM

mahjongg · Answer

Hi,thanks for the reply,sorry what form and where at the top?

We have been on Hijack this and were advised to download Spyware Doctor this fixed most things but we are unable to use this on our sons user account, as soon as we open it the comp crashes,which is why we want to reformat the hard drive.....

msgale · Answer

I have two responses for you.  1 - Somewhere on the computer case there should be a label with the Microsoft code.  However, you should not need the code to do either a format or a reinstall, (Note that is the way it is in the States, I have no idea what the rules are elsewhere).  2 - There is a HijackThis form here at Dell where they may be able to help you resolve your problems without having to to a format and reinstall.  First follow the pinned instruction on the top of the form.

Denny Denham · Answer

mahjongg,

As msgale indicated, it is unusual to be prompted for a Product ID for an OEM copy of Windows XP when doing a reinstallation. The Product ID is located as indicated here for systems sold in the US. If you are able to find the number there, you do not need Software Support to reinstall Windows XP. Instructions are here and in the included links.

mahjongg · Answer

Tks Denny, we are in Uk, will give it a look.

msgale · Answer

Denny - thanks for picking up the thread.  I was getting stumped about needing the Microsoft code to do the reformat.  Last time I did an XP reinstall, atually last week, I remember the code entry was after the format.  However, I did not use an OEMs version.

mahjongg · Answer

Ummmmm, peps Im just an amateur. Dont know what OEMS is. Sorry for being uneducated!!! Help very much appreciated. Tks

mahjongg · Answer

Hey guys, I know u r, just frustrated, wish we knew as much as u do. Thank goodness for this forum. Best thing about Dell, ummm well apart from their computers of course. Really appreciate your input, I know it must be difficult to try and diagnose from a distance. We are amateurs, and I worry about the people that dont know as much as us!!! Will look for code tomorrow and thanks for advice about ChrisRLG. Hope I didnt ruffle your feathers, didnt mean to. Respect!! And thanks :smileywink:

msgale · Answer

No problem, my feathers are fine.

mahjongg · Answer

Good!!! Really appreciate all your help, guess what my first two page thread!!!! Keep preening!! You people are great. :smileywink:

msgale · Answer

Majongg - we are trying - but the rules may be different between the US and the UK.  ChrisRLG who sometimes posts on the HijackThis forum is in the UK and may be able to help,  maybe try to PM him.

Windows General

problems reformatting

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