Computer help forum: How to format hard disk without OS?

It might be helpful to tell why it failed. It could very well be a hardware issue and then another formatting program will fail just as well.

You can try:
- another xp disc (not really difficult, I assume, to find one with your friends or family)
- download a Windows 98 or ME boot diskette (that is, the program to make one) and use its fdisk and format, FAT32 only)
- download a Linux distro and burn that to a bootable CD

Hope this helps.



Kees

You still didn't tell the problem with the Windows XP installation program. That makes it difficult to comment.
There might be a difference between 'accessing' and 'formatting'.

Other things to try then:
- A partition manager, like Partition Magic. There are many shareware equivalents.
- Use killdisk or dban (free downloads) to totally erase the hard disk. Then Windows XP setup should surely work.

Kees

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

This will allow you to test the HDD.

You may also need to Zero the drive
due to the error message on install.

With the drive zeroed on install create
the primary partition for Windows. The
balance of the drive can be partitioned in
Disk Management.

Luck

Bill

...Windows is installed on it.. By your comments, that's what you're trying to do.. Yes? or No?

The Windows XP CD or a Windows 98 boot disc will allow you to format the drive but you must place the disc in the CD or floppy drive, then restart the computer.. Once it restarts, press any key to boot from the CD or disc, then you can format the drive where Windows is installed.. IT WILL ELIMINATE WINDOWS and all other files from that drive.. So be sure of what you're trying to do... Backup all important files and documents before doing so.

So if you're trying to add partitions to your hard drive while Windows is installed, use a third party program such as Partition Magic.. It will allow you to set up a separate partition while Windows is still installed, then you can format the new partiton from withing the Disc Manager of Windows.

Hope this helps.

Grif

boot diskette come with their own OS. Like Knoppix and the Windows XP CD. You need something like an OS to access the disk. But it can't be an OS running from the partition you want to format.

Kees

I just started the PC and there was a message, that one file from SYSTEM 32 is damaged. I had no choice and I had to reinstall my Windows. But when I tryed to format the 'C' partition it displays an error. I tryed with Linux also, but the result was the same. Please let me know if you had find a solution.
Thanks, Ivaylo

Two(2) years ago, our friend rather, replaced it's Hard-Drive and Re-installed without any problems at all or, bought a much newer machine ever since.

Probably using Win.7 as I write this all down.

So, I suggest that you execute one of those two(2) suggestions I just wrote above. And, please, lose and totally forget that damned XP O.S. O.K? Thank-you in advance for doing just so.