How do you format a partitioned hard disk?

Mattayus · 02-24-2008, 11:19 AM

I'm baffled

i only want to format the side with the OS on it (C

. everytime i go to format it says "windows cannot format this drive. close all utilities and programs... " blah blah blah

Thomas · 02-24-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattayus

I'm baffled

i only want to format the side with the OS on it (C

. everytime i go to format it says "windows cannot format this drive. close all utilities and programs... " blah blah blah

By format, do you want to wipe the contents off it? Your C: is probably where your OS installed, so I am not surprised it won't let you. If you intend to reinstall your system, you can do so inside the installation application itself. There is no point in doing it beforehand.

ukfswmart · 02-24-2008, 11:38 AM

You'll have to run the Windows installer from your Windows CD to be able to erase your C drive / partition. You can't boot into Windows and ask it to erase parts of the disk it's accessing; ever had someone try to take a sheet of paper away from you whilst you're writing on it? Exactly the same principal applies here

Thomas · 02-24-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukfswmart

You'll have to run the Windows installer from your Windows CD to be able to erase your C drive / partition. You can't boot into Windows and ask it to erase parts of the disk it's accessing; ever had someone try to take a sheet of paper away from you whilst you're writing on it? Exactly the same principal applies here

Well, it works in Linux, but I would not recommend it.

Benzesp · 02-25-2008, 10:53 AM

get a bootable dos cd or floppy (haha) and fdisk format c:/FS:Filesystem NTFS in dos prompt.

Bootdisk.Com

Jeff · 02-26-2008, 07:42 AM

A more important thing to ask is, what is your goal with this? Is it to reinstall Windows? Then just use the Windows install CD and do it from there.

Digital Black · 03-01-2008, 01:17 AM

Xp or Vista?

Zoltta · 03-04-2008, 10:15 AM

Its really simple actually, just partition your main drive, if havnt already. Then run the installation disk on reboot, and when you get to the point to where you wanna choose the Drive to install, choose the partition you made. Only problem is youll need a software like people were saying so that you can choose what drive you want to run when rebooting. I have vista on my main and xp on my partition. When i reboot, i get to choose which drive. Its really usefull for shit that isnt capatible with Vista yet and/or doesnt work properly. OH LIKE PRO TOOLS YAAYYY!

Edit nvm i just reread your post sorry lol

02-24-2008, 11:19 AM	#1
Mattayus Sir Groove-A-Lot Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Cambridgeshire, UK Posts: 4,545 Thanked: 170	How do you format a partitioned hard disk? I'm baffled i only want to format the side with the OS on it (C. everytime i go to format it says "windows cannot format this drive. close all utilities and programs... " blah blah blah __________________ My Myspace My Music My Demo EP Last edited by Mattayus; 02-24-2008 at 11:21 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

03-01-2008, 01:17 AM	#7
Digital Black Divinitus Infallibilis Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cleveland , Ohio Posts: 5,323 Thanked: 20	Xp or Vista? __________________ Born of Fire//--\\ Consumed by it Divinitus Infallibilis

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New forum/format	Chris	Art, Media & Photography	0	10-27-2007 01:29 PM
Best disk imaging solution?	Chris	Computers, Electronics, IT & Gaming	4	11-06-2006 11:52 AM
Hard disk recording vs. tape recording	irg7620	Recording Studio	6	09-16-2006 09:30 PM
New disk	Splinterhead	General Music Discussion	1	05-23-2006 05:54 PM

Welcome to sevenstring.org! You are currently viewing the site as a guest which gives you limited access to most features.

Most ad placements do not show to registered members. Register Now!

02-24-2008, 11:38 AM	#3
ukfswmart Far too opinionated Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UK Posts: 454 Thanked: 0	You'll have to run the Windows installer from your Windows CD to be able to erase your C drive / partition. You can't boot into Windows and ask it to erase parts of the disk it's accessing; ever had someone try to take a sheet of paper away from you whilst you're writing on it? Exactly the same principal applies here

02-25-2008, 10:53 AM	#5
Benzesp ComputerBlue Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Austin,TX Posts: 1,124 Thanked: 28	get a bootable dos cd or floppy (haha) and fdisk format c:/FS:Filesystem NTFS in dos prompt. Bootdisk.Com

02-26-2008, 07:42 AM	#6
Jeff Banned from Reality Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,262 Thanked: 23	A more important thing to ask is, what is your goal with this? Is it to reinstall Windows? Then just use the Windows install CD and do it from there.

03-04-2008, 10:15 AM	#8
Zoltta Guns N Guitars Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 974 Thanked: 45	Its really simple actually, just partition your main drive, if havnt already. Then run the installation disk on reboot, and when you get to the point to where you wanna choose the Drive to install, choose the partition you made. Only problem is youll need a software like people were saying so that you can choose what drive you want to run when rebooting. I have vista on my main and xp on my partition. When i reboot, i get to choose which drive. Its really usefull for shit that isnt capatible with Vista yet and/or doesnt work properly. OH LIKE PRO TOOLS YAAYYY! Edit nvm i just reread your post sorry lol

» Computers, Electronics, IT & Gaming

How do you format a partitioned hard disk?