Formating C: Frustration

[CHayes1126]

My aunt had her old computer that she wanted me to install windows XP on, she previously had windows 98SE. I turned off the computer and put the XP cd in. I went into the windows XP setup and hit F10 to get into the recovery console. I then hit format C and formated her Hard Drive. After that I restarted and entered the windows XP setup. When I did this it asked me to selec a partition that I would like to install windows on. I chose the one I had just reformated. When I hit enter though, the windows setup told me that the partition did not contain a partition to install windows on. Or that is was unreconized something to that effect. Now im stuck and cannot install windows XP. Any ideas? I know this computer is old only 8 gig hard drive but that should be plenty to install windows XP.

[Statica]

You dont need to go into the recovery console to install XP. Run through the Blue screen install; when it asks you to select a partition, first select existing partitions and then delete them. Now recreate partitions as you wish and proceed.

[CHayes1126]

I did the blue screen install like you said, when I did that though it says invalid disk and to select another partition or create another. No matter how many times I create and delete them it says the same thing over and over again. Any ideas?

[Vigo]

Positive it isn't an upgrade package?

[Statica]

Are you sure that all the BIOS settings are correct? Is the HD identified correctly in the BIOS? Do you have LBA turned on? Is there any BIOS level antivirus protection enabled? If so disable it. If it doesnt work, I'd also suggest getting a low level format utility or a zero fill utility and wipe that drive clean, then start afresh .. this time do not use the recovery console to format the drive. Check out: http://www.blackviper.com/Articles/O...allxphome1.htm for drive partitioning during installation of XP as well.

[CHayes1126]

The computer is a compaq, When it installs I cant get into the BIOS im not sure what key you need to press and when to get into the BIOS. Also when I tried to install windows on the C: partition, it says unknown disk drive. Im not sure if this may be a virus or not?

[kev7555]

When the computer first posts there should be a message telling you which key to hit to enter setup. Quite often it is delete or F3.

You have to be quick. If it does not give you this screen, hit escape and sometimes you will be given the post screen.

To install XP you want to set the CD rom as the first boot device. Usually you can select the different bios main settings with your up and down, left and right keys. The available options for each setting are usually selected through the page up and page down keys.

Hope this helps.

-Kev

[CHayes1126]

All it does when it loads is a big red compaq screen, it doesnt say which key to hit. I will try to see if escape or f3 works. Then I think it may be due to an unsupported hard drive.

[kev7555]

Sorry to make two posts...

If indeed you have an upgrade version you can do what I did last week and just install a bare bones version of Windows 98 and then let XP upgrade it.

[CHayes1126]

if only I could find a windows 98 CD :-(

[kev7555]

There is always SOME way into setup.

Just keep pushing buttons until you find the right one...

I'll hang loose by the computer for a while if I can be of any help.

-Kev

[Statica]

Originally posted by CHayes1126 All it does when it loads is a big red compaq screen, it doesnt say which key to hit. I will try to see if escape or f3 works. Then I think it may be due to an unsupported hard drive.

Hmm with some compaq's the BIOS is on a partition of the hard drive; it is quite possible that you may have inadvertently partitioned out that area. Check your usermanual or check the compaq website to see whats going on. Or post here with your model#.

Compaq's usually have F1 or F10 as the key to enter the BIOS.

I don't want to rain on your parade, but I hope that you have a driver diskette for XP drivers; and that you have a TON of luck on your side to get XP running on a Compaq that doesnt come with it. Sounds like a fairly old machine. (Heck, you require a ton of luck to have XP running properly even if it came on the Compaq). The proprietary hardware requires drivers; tons of them, before you can get started. The good news is that the Compaq/HP website is real good in providing you information on drivers and some upgrade paths.

[CHayes1126]

Do you think windows 2000 might work on an older compaq.

[Spunk]

Brand new to the site.

My problem is exactly the same and its also on an older Compaq. I got Windows XP to install from Windows Me (that was tough in itself) but now I can't get into the BIOS either. I'm trying to reformat the hard drive this time around. Some other tech sites as well as HP's said to hit F10 when the cursor appears in the upper right on the red Compaq title screen. That doesn't work. Regardless, I don't think this is a Compaq problem, although the above partitioning idea could have something to do with it. When I reboot, there is a line that says press any key to boot from the CD-ROM but nothing happens, almost like the keyboard is dead. It just continues on to the HD.

Is there a way to reformat in WinXP without having to get into the Recovery Console? Any answers would be great on this.

MJS

[Statica]

Originally posted by CHayes1126 Do you think windows 2000 might work on an older compaq.

Usually not unless you have the device drivers; with Compaq's it usually does work out better to upgrade the original OS. Again, check with the Compaq website if you can get drivers for your devices. Apparently CTRL+10 also works on some machines to get into the BIOS.

Originally posted by Spunk Brand new to the site. My problem is exactly the same and its also on an older Compaq. I got Windows XP to install from Windows Me (that was tough in itself) but now I can't get into the BIOS either. I'm trying to reformat the hard drive this time around. Some other tech sites as well as HP's said to hit F10 when the cursor appears in the upper right on the red Compaq title screen. That doesn't work. Regardless, I don't think this is a Compaq problem, although the above partitioning idea could have something to do with it. When I reboot, there is a line that says press any key to boot from the CD-ROM but nothing happens, almost like the keyboard is dead. It just continues on to the HD. Is there a way to reformat in WinXP without having to get into the Recovery Console? Any answers would be great on this. MJS

Did you remove the non-DOS partition that resides on your drive?
If you are trying to reinstall XP, there isnt a need to go to the recovery console; just boot up to Windows XP setup. You can either do so from CD or floppy.
If you insist on removing your partitions or formatting from your recovery console the following commands will work:
format to format partitions, type format /? to see options
diskpart disk partition utility; once you type diskpart, you will enter the DISKPART console prompt; type ? to see the available options.
Spunk please start a new thread with your issue.

[Spunk]

Thanks for the reply. I'll start a new thread.

MJS

[CHayes1126]

Ok, I got a windows 95 CD-ROM. The only problem is I cant get a windows 95 boot disk to load cd-rom drivers. I made a boot disk with my cousins computer in windows 95, but when I put it in the computer and restarted it loaded the drive and then had a blank screen with a blinking cursor in the top left. I am hoping tomorrow I can use a neighbors computer to make a boot disk with CD-ROM support from a program I found on the internet since my lap top does not have an A: drive.