Can't Format HD

[dale_t44]

Hello everyone,

I have an old emachines t4130 from a friend. The major problem is that I cannot get this thing to install XP.

It originally had Mellinium installed and somebody managed to get a copy
of XP onto the drive, but, it is not being verified by Genuine Windows. I have a brand new, legal copy of XP Pro that I bought, but when I try to install it comes up with a message that the HD could not be formatted.

The HD is a Seagate Barracuda ATA lV Model ST320011A. It is jumpered cable select. I have tried hooking the drive up to both of my other computers externally, none of my attemts were successful. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[tmathews]

Have you tried running SeaTools diagnostics on it? The drive could be failing.

[dale_t44]

I'm in the process of downloading that now.

[dale_t44]

I just finished the Sea Tools: fix all long test and the drive passed, no problems.

[dale_t44]

OK. I've gotten to the point where I can format in DOS. If I just use the format command, will I then be able to reboot with the XP DISK and install the OS?

When I get the command set Format C: and press enter it says "all data on non-removable disk drive C: will be lost!

If I format then will I not have to partition?

[glc]

When you boot with the XP CD and enter Setup, have you tried deleting all the partitions and then install XP in the unallocated space?

[dale_t44]

Hello glc,

Yes I tried all that you asked, and the computer kept telling me it could not do this.

I finally tried a repair of XP from the new disk and it seems to be working. The install finished and it just restarted, I'm at the XP logo screen and it has the Please wait...
and the hourglass. Will advise what happens next.

[dale_t44]

Well, after 2 days and a number of different tries, the HD finally got formatted, XP got installed and everything seems to be ok.

Thanks for all comments and help.