formatting hard drive

[chas2008]

Due to some windows errors i need to format my hard drive and reinstall windows XP (pro), struggling a bit at the moment any idiots guide would be appreciated. I have googled the question but not really any the wiser. I know you cant format while windows is running, even though there is a format command on C drive !! why is it there ? I have tried to boot from the disc as was recomended but all it does is load the programs up.Was going to do it through DOS but cant create a DOS boot disc as there is no floppy drive...it cant be this difficult surely !!!

[LucianaScott]

threre should be an option to reformat discs including C when you run windows cd.

[chas2008]

that what i thought and was led to believe, mine just boots straight up from the CD and loads windows..

[rojash]

If it's loading Windows then it's not booting from the CD.
You probably need to change the settings in your BIOS to allow booting from the CD

[ChuckFickens]

also if it is booting from the CD you'll get a prompt to "press any key to boot from CD" for about 5 seconds on startup, if you miss this then it will go into windows normally.

[chas2008]

ah, Rojash..knew you be here soon..

I have set the BIOS to boot from the CD 1st thing i did & no messages giving me any options
This is an XP pro disc, i think i have an XP home disc somewhere, might see if i can find it and try that
Phew , at least i was going down the right route thought it was me being a plank..

[ChuckFickens]

silly question... but here we go..

the laptop will read the windows CD OK when it's in windows won't it?

[chas2008]

yep, no problem i actually loaded it over win2000 hoping it would sort the error problems out...it didnt !, hence why i think a fresh install is needed.

[ChuckFickens]

oh well try your home disk then.

if not you could try making a copy of the CD on another computer and see if any better luck booting of the copy.

[chas2008]

cheers guys,
at least i now know im on the right track , panic over.
just need to try a couple of options. plan B

[trish432]

A friend`s computer which I was reinstalling wouldn`t boot from the disc. It took me ages with trial and error, but I finally got the option, press any key to boot from cd, by pressing F4.

[chas2008]

Will try that later...i have spent hours on it so far , i get so stressed out when i cant solve a problem

[chas2008]

trish432...love you forever, all sorted...I did try the F keys in desperation, as you do. But holding F4 when loading the disc got me into the boot menu....
so good so far...

[chas2008]

all sorted.........up and running, superb...that little F4 is all it needed
thanks again Trish, if you are ever in Northants i owe you a coffee............

[trish432]

Glad to hear it`s sorted.