Reinstall w2k 'setup cannot format the partition'

Question

Hi all,

I'm reinstalling windows 2000 from the dell w2k + sp1 reinstallation CD. I have a GX150, 256 MB ram, dual 40GB hard drives, bought 2001. When I run the reinstall, I get as far as formating the harddrives but I then get an error saying:
"Setup cannot format the partition. Your computer may not have enough memory to perform this operation or your windows 2000 CD-ROM may contain some corrupted files."

Searching the internet, there is a microsoft support note which says this is due to RIS issues and problems with the MSDN media (basically, I think, that the reinstallation CD is not an end-user version of w2k, but a test one).

Any suggestions I'd be grateful.

mombodog · Answer

Try another installation cd of any kind to see if you get the same error, if not it probably is a bad CD, not a memory problem. Also disconnect any extra hardware during install.

Pterminiator · Answer

Try booting off a single drive, and getting the system loaded. Once loaded, shutdown the system and connect the second drive. Then restart the system and check the BIOS and make certain you detect that drive. once you save and exit the BIOS, the system should start into the windows gui, then you can try formatting the second drive in the windows gui from my computer.

Windows General

Reinstall w2k "setup cannot format the partition"

Was this post helpful?