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Gambit17
10-09-2006, 12:20 PM
HI.
I want to format my entire hardrive.
it is in 1 partion namely my c: drive and then a empty(unallocated) f: drive. Also there is 1 gig of free space(What used to be a logical drive).

I would like to format the entire disk and make them one again.(if this is possible).
Also how would i go about keeping the information on my c: drive.

Thanx.
glc
10-09-2006, 12:33 PM
Formatting will delete all information. You need to copy what you need to something else, external hard drive, CDR or DVDR, etc.

Boot with the XP CD, go into Setup, and remove all partitions. Then install XP on the unallocated space (which should be ALL you will see now).
Gambit17
10-09-2006, 02:22 PM
Thanx GLC.

Just want to check a few things before i do something dangerous.

I copy everything onto a removable storge disk etc.(CD, DVD, Ipod).

Then do i just boot from xp disc and say delete all partitions.

And then...

reinstall Xp on unallocated space?

Will I see the unallocated space during xp install to do so?

Sorry Im a patzer(beginner).

I also heard its advisable to install Operating System on 1 partition(2 gigs in size) and create a second partition for rest of my stuff. Would i be able to set this up during the installation process.

Thanx.
EzyStvy
10-09-2006, 02:41 PM
delete all partitions
re-create partition(s)
format
install
Gambit17
10-09-2006, 03:43 PM
I have a big problem.

Im am on a different computer now.

The one i was going to fromat has crashed.

What i did was a booted from XP disk. I didnt push any buttons nothing just wanted to check what was going on and then exit. IT then offered me the chance to exit setup i took it and now when i try to turn my computer on booting from hard drive it gives me a grubb error(17) please if anyone could help me.

thanx
EzyStvy
10-09-2006, 04:01 PM
I think the error message is related to a linux boot loader...Do you have linux installed?
Gambit17
10-09-2006, 04:35 PM
ya i do. but i wasnt having this problem until i booted from the xp disk
Gambit17
10-09-2006, 04:53 PM
Do you have any suggestions?
Gambit17
10-09-2006, 05:00 PM
what it might have been is i had linux installed on a seperate partition and then i deleted it.
??
plz help.
EzyStvy
10-09-2006, 05:11 PM
Search here and the internet for removing the boot loader.
Gambit17
10-09-2006, 05:16 PM
sorry to bother but what exactly is a boot loader and what does it do
Gambit17
10-09-2006, 07:10 PM
Got it workin thanx. Just reinstalled Linux.

Ill be back later to find out more aout formating. :)
glc
10-10-2006, 10:54 AM
If you have Linux on there, you need to zero fill the drive before you try to reinstall XP. Repartitioning with the XP CD will not remove the Linux boot loader.

http://www.killdisk.com/
GraemeM
10-10-2006, 04:19 PM
If you have Linux on there, you need to zero fill the drive before you try to reinstall XP. Repartitioning with the XP CD will not remove the Linux boot loader.

http://www.killdisk.com/
Really? I could of swore XP deletes the Linux boot loader. Cus I had Linux then installed XP and I lost access to Linux (had to boot Linux using the installation CD then repair the boot loader)


Also one tip to the poster, if you have a copy of Partition Magic lying around or know someone who does, using it before the XP install is a bit more straightforward I find.
glc
10-10-2006, 04:51 PM
Zero fill takes care of *everything* without wondering if you got it all.