Computer problem

[SBell2406]

Can anyone tell me how to completely wipe my computer? I've tried formatting the c drive, but it tells me it 'format cannot run because this volume is in use by another process. Cannot lock the drive. The volume is still in use'.
Having loads of problems with my computer (keeps crashing - every 20 minutes or so - and getting the blue screen all the time) and, although tried uninstalling windows and re-installing, several program files were still there. I've gone into Add/Remove programs and XP isn't listed there, so can't remove it that way - please help!!

[tex8596]

If you feel formatting the drive is your only opention...download a Windows 98SE Startup Disk and use it to format your HDD. It will format it a FAT32...but it will format...when you re-install WindowsXP MAKE SURE you perform a full NTFS disk format (quick will cause you nothing but problems!!)....if your really worried about the HDD...got to scan.co.uk and buy a new drive...their dirt cheap.

[peanut]

you cannot format the hard drive form windows, meaning you cannot format the drive that is being used. what you need to do is go to the hard drive manufacturers website, look for utilities and make a bootable cd that will zero fill your drive. once you have a bootable cd, you can then go into bios and be sure your computer is set to boot from cd, then put the bootable cd in @ startup and look for the option to zero fill your hard drive. I know you did not ask to zero fill your drive but its the best thing to do and you can be sure your drive is free of anything. If you want you can tell me what type of hard drive you have and i will help steer you in the right direction by giving the link you need.

[SBell2406]

Hmmm....somewhat technologically challenged - how do i find out what kind of hard drive i have?
Is it likely that its an ACPI Multiprocessor PC? Or Maxtor 6Y120L0? Found that info in device manager.
Sorry, know i must sound really stupid! Thanks for your help!

[SBell2406]

Oh...where did your reply go peanut?!

[peanut]

i still see my answer cant you?

[tex8596]

if you read the Maxtor 6Y120L0 from sys info, then thats it. Standard IDE drive....�30 would replace it.....but try bootdisk.com first (the file you want is http://1gighost.net/alaska/boot98se.exe)...it' s a self extraction prgram to format a 3.5 floppy to make a boot disk.....format the drive first...should take about 10 min.....then 45 to format NTFS and install WinXP...GET NEW DRIVERS FOR YOUR STUFF!!!!! Check all sites for the latest drivers of anything you got installed (graphics, sound, LAN etc...) I fresh install my machine every 6 months, faster than finding out what in installed thats messng things up.....you might want to read up on Symantec Ghost..but if your not skilled, forget it.

[rojash]

Good grief! What a complex way of getting there!
Just boot with the WinXP Cd, delete the existing partition, recreate it and install.

[posit]

rojash is quite right, although if you're having major probs with your pc already, then the xpdisk may not give you the option to delete the active partition.
If you make an ms-dos boot floppy disk, takes about 5 mins ( just type ms-disk in your pc help, it'll tell you how ), and restart your pc with the floppy and the xpdisk in, and then choose the option to "start with cdrom support ".
then type "fdisk" , you can delete the partition, usually c drive, and recreate it again.
then remove the floppy and just restart and install your xp.
this works because, it re-loads an uncurrupted set of basic drivers for the your pc to work with.(lol i think)

hope you fair well :-)