Topic: Need some help reformating my laptop with XP pro

[RRobar]

Ok something got majorilly fucked on my laptop today at work. Nothing seemed to work for fixing it so I decided to reformat. I went through what I thought would do it. But it seems it just installed another copy of XP on the c: drive. I have only one partition. How can I get it to completely reformat? Quick help is much appreciated. I need to get it back online for work tommorow. Then I can dump this goddamn windows crap for my mac!

[rabhan]

why dont you try to do a system restore?

if you get in a real bind, you can call me, PM for cell number.....

oh yeah, get norton ghost on that machine!

[RRobar]

System restore? why?
I have all I need off the Laptop just want to start over. I don't have a phone when the PC is located.

I actually had ghost. But it's been along while since this HD had a good reformat. WHen I installed XP pro a few weeks ago I just did an upgrade. The last few days it has been giving me fits recognising hardware.

[rabhan]

load the cd, procede with a format, then load the new os on that partition. blam! thats it.

[RRobar]

sorry I tried a system restore said it couldn't do it. I just figured out what you were asking.

[rabhan]

i really like system restore for fixing problems, it is basically a registry backup.

[RRobar]

load the cd, procede with a format, then load the new os on that partition. blam! thats it.

This where I am getting pissed I see no option to reformat. Right now I am at the set up and it
1.to set up XP on the selected item, press enter
2.to create partition in the unpartioned space, press c
3. To delete the selected partition, press D

I have seen nothing to reformat that partition. what am I missing?

[rabhan]

if you select (1), does it ask you to format the drive?

[RRobar]

No it says:

You chose to install XP on a partition that contains another OS. Installing XP on this partition might cause the other OS to function improperly.

it then says you should partion the drive (in so many words)

Then gives 2 choices
1. to continue setup using this partition, press C
2. to select different partition, press esc.

[RRobar]

I selected choice 1. It then said that there was an existing windows folder. If I wanted to continue and delete press...

Ithink this is it, I don't remember seeing this choice before.

I'll PM you John if your going to be on for a bit.

[rabhan]

just up tracking my LOS from last night, should be around, may not be refreshing the page that much, your best bet is to call me, but still can pm if you prefer.

[RRobar]

I'm not sure if that was it. Seems like it would take a long time to reformat. We'll see I guess

[RRobar]

Damnit!!!!!! That didn't do it. Fuck windows!!!!! I can't wait to rid my self of this crap!!!! sorry I need to vent. WHy does it not ask to reformat the drive??

[rabhan]

i dont understand how it can install itself on a partition without formating it first, that is part of the install process. why dont you delete the partition and then recreate it. that way it should format it.

[RRobar]

it won't let me delete it.