quite programs to format hard drive
sam coleridge
my hardrive and I will then reload my windows xp.
When I go to the 'C' drive in 'my computer' and go to format it tells me ;
windows cannot format this drive. quite any programs you are using.
So I rebooted the computer, disconnected my external hard drive and went to
systems manager where it says I only have a 'systems idle process' running
and using 16K.
Still it will not format and tells me again to quite any programs in use.
Novice grateful for any advice.
Tony
format C:
sam coleridge wrote:
--
The Grandmaster of the CyberFROG
Come get your ticket to CyberFROG city
Nay, Art thou decideth playeth ye simpleton games. *Some* of us know proper
manners
Very few. I used to take calls from *rank* noobs but got fired the first day on
the job for potty mouth,
Hamster isn't a newsreader it's a mistake!
El-Gonzo Jackson FROGS both me and Chuckcar
Master Juba was a black man imitating a white man imitating a black man
Using my technical prowess and computer abilities to answer questions beyond the
realm of understandability
Regards Tony... Making usenet better for everyone everyday
richard
You can not format while the OS is in operation.
Do you have a recovery drive installed on the machine? Or do you need a
standard disk? You should read up on how to perform a format before doing
one. Start with what came with the machine in the help files. Then research
online.
Find out what BIOS is and how to boot into it. Along with DOS command
prompts.
Now before you even attempt the reformatting procedure, you may want to
consider doing a simple system restore. Run System Restore and if you have
a restore point on the day you first turned on the machine, use that date.
Or the earliest date shown. This is a lot faster than a reformat and
sometimes adequate for fixing many things.
Bucky Breeder
news:hg579o$ltg$1...@news.eternal-september.org:
This is a *good* thing! You should NOT be able to format your hard drive
while you are in Windows; or else you may well lose all your Facebook
friends and the terrible spams will attack you forever.
Very first thing, you should consider to backup all your personal data such
as pictures, account information, phone numbers, access codes, secret
handshakes, multi-language-quick-reference-translation-cheat-sheets for "do
anything you want to the girl, just let me go - I didn't see anything",
etc., before proceeding.
Since you are starting all over again, just put your XP install disc in the
cup-holder thangy and make sure the cup-holder thangy is inserted into the
tan box -- and then reboot. (Click "Start" | "Turn off computer..." |
"Restart" button)
Sometimes you may have to "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD". If you
can't find your "any key" then just use the space bar... it means you're
ghaa-hay in computer code, but what the hell, Microsoft doesn't keep the
"personal data" and you can always change via the Control Panel icon once
you're up and running. (Just say you "found Jeeee-ZUZZZ" or "Thor" if you
tend to swing in *that* direction... Your wife will be pleased-as-punch,
and your kids will be delighted that they're not going to be portrayed in
TV movie made in Canada directed by a lesbian-Australian about d�gradant
USA social situations - or you could just insist on watching the football
games wind into play-off season... whatever...)
If you don't have the "Press any key..." prompt, don't worry, it just means
you need to go to the gym more and get away from the computers for a while.
You can proceed safely with the prompts from the XP CD/DVD, or just start
over with another reboot from the disc if you get lost a bit.
Best wishes to all for a joyous and safe holiday season.
--
I AM Bucky Breeder, (*(^; ;
and on the 'AWESOMENESS METER'
I am about two clicks better than 'TOTALLY'!
You should not view the world in terms
of things which you do - or do not - "like";
rather, you should view the world in terms
of how things "actually are", recognizing
and finding acceptance of them as such.
This would immeasurably bring *much* more
peace and tranquility into your life.
I could help you with that... but,
I really just don't like you that much.
Repent! The end is near.... So, smoke 'em if you got 'em.
why?
On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:24:35 -0000, sam coleridge wrote:
>After being fed up with things just not working right, I am trying to format
>my hardrive and I will then reload my windows xp.
>When I go to the 'C' drive in 'my computer' and go to format it tells me ;
>windows cannot format this drive. quite any programs you are using.
Take it to be a big assumption on my part, ot not. While running Windows
and using Windows Explorer, all the linked DLLs / processes your drive C
is in use and can't be formatted.
>So I rebooted the computer, disconnected my external hard drive and went to
>systems manager where it says I only have a 'systems idle process' running
Where is systems manager?
>and using 16K.
>
>Still it will not format and tells me again to quite any programs in use.
>
>Novice grateful for any advice.
Make sure you have a working backup, at leat 2 is best, of any data ,
drivers you need, AntiVirus / Firewall and so on it's best to reinstall
before reconnecting to your ISP. Any motherboard driver CD, the XP key
to reinstall.
Reboot with the XP install CD and select the option during installation
to format the drive.
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
Step-by-Step: Clean installing Windows XP (Interactive Setup)
Me
Brian Cryer
news:hg579o$ltg$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
> After being fed up with things just not working right, I am trying to
> format my hardrive and I will then reload my windows xp.
>
> When I go to the 'C' drive in 'my computer' and go to format it tells me ;
> windows cannot format this drive. quite any programs you are using.
That's a good thing. If you are using windows then you don't want Windows to
zap the disk on which Windows (and indeed the format utility) is located.
If you want to reload xp then stick in the original xp install disk and boot
from that. You will have the option to reformat. I think its near the point
where it asks you where to install - you should have the option to
repartition the disk. Simply delete the existing partition and allow it to
create a new one, it will then reformat and reload windows. Be sure that you
have the xp install disk and any drivers that you might need plus disks for
any software (such as office) that you might have installed. Be sure too
that you have backed up your files before you start.
--
Brian Cryer
www.cryer.co.o.uk/brian
Mike Easter
> After being fed up with things just not working right, I am trying to
> format my hardrive and I will then reload my windows xp.
> Novice grateful for any advice.
You are getting way ahead of yourself. First you need to prepare for
the reinstall, then you need to consider what resources you have to do
it.
If you only have one computer which is the one being reinstalled, then
your preparation for the reinstall needs to be more comprehensive,
because you aren't going to be able to see anything or do anything until
the reinstall is operational and online. There may be quite a lot of
information which should be saved before wiping the old install,
including printing out some guidelines.
First there's the matter of your backup data which includes account and
password information. Second there's the matter of the identification
of all of your computer's hardware accurately, which includes being able
to access up-to-date XP drivers. Windows XP is a pretty old operating
system and many hardwares have newer drivers than those which came with
the old 2001 OS. Third, there's the consideration of whether you are
going to be using a genuine MS Windows XP disk or some manufacturer's
recovery system.
And then there's the issue of whether you are reinstalling from an
infected condition or not, because that will influence whether or not
you need to be concerned with the possibility of a contaminated
bootsector -- whether or not the mbr needs cleaning/formatting.
--
Mike Easter
VanguardLH
Configure the boot order in your BIOS to boot from your CD drive, if it
isn't already so configured. Put in the install CD for Windows XP. Boot
your host. During the setup, you'll be asked in which partition to install
the OS. Pick the same one you used before. At some point, you will be
offered the option to format that partition.
If you don't have a install CD for Windows XP then you follow the
restore/rebuild instructions for your make and model of computer.
greylines
Trying to format your C: drive from within windows is like trying to pick
up a box that you're already standing on - can't be done.
Depending on what you mean by "things just not working right", you could
be trying to crack a walnut with a sledgehammer.
I'd wonder do you mean that your computer is running very slowly and
things take so long to happen when you click something you get very
impatient waiting, so you click again. Then you wait even longer.
A number of things to look at before you try the whole reinstallation
palaver:
1. Check how much disk space you have available on your C: drive - if it's
full or close to full, move some stuff to your external hard drive
ONLY move personal stuff like your documents, pictures, etc
Try to clear as much space as possible
Using your Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel, uninstall any programs
you don't use.
2. Look down at the lower right of your screen where your clock is - this
is your System Tray
Have you lots of little icons there? Things like MSN, Office quick start,
"helper" programs, etc.
These are all using up your computers resources and will impact on
performance. Shut down as many as you can by going into their
preferences/options settings and setting them so they DON'T "start with
windows", "start with system", etc
DO NOT switch off your security software - anti-virus, anti-spyware,
firewall, etc, you can also leave things like your
speaker icon, network icon, etc alone.
Reboot - you should see an immediate improvement
3. Run a COMPLETE scan* with your anti virus (make sure it's up to date
first - "updated last week" is not good enough, update it NOW
Then run a complete scan* with your anti-spyware, again fully updated.
REMEMBER you can only have ONE anti-virus program installed and running
at any one time.
4. Google for the phrase "online scan" and use something like Trend Micro,
Symantec, etc to do another FULL scan*.
* These scans could take hours, depending on how many files you have on
your computer.
5. And I don't mean to be insulting here - get a book on Windows XP,
something like the For Dummies books are good and read up on what a
reinstall involves. Alternatively have a look at one of the sites this
google search brings up
http://www.google.ie/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=%22How+to%22+reinstall+XP&btnG=Google+Search&meta=&aq=f&oq=
6. Before you start reinstalling, BACKUP EVERYTHING you do not want to
lose.
Formatting your hard drive WILL destroy all data currently on it.
--
greylines
if you must mail me
ihatespam at greylines dot net
Cork Soaker
> On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:24:35 -0000, "sam coleridge"
> <hg579o$ltg$1...@news.eternal-september.org>, in 24hoursupport.helpdesk
> -->::
>
>> After being fed up with things just not working right, I am trying to format
>> my hardrive and I will then reload my windows xp.
>>
>> When I go to the 'C' drive in 'my computer' and go to format it tells me ;
>> windows cannot format this drive. quite any programs you are using.
>
> Perhaps you *really* meant to write *quit*, NOT "quite". There is a
> very-considerable difference between the 2 words, in meaning.
>
I think this is good advice.
Cork Soaker
> games wind into play-off season... whatever...)
>
> If you don't have the "Press any key..." prompt, don't worry, it just means
> you need to go to the gym more and get away from the computers for a while.
>
> You can proceed safely with the prompts from the XP CD/DVD, or just start
> over with another reboot from the disc if you get lost a bit.
>
>
> Best wishes to all for a joyous and safe holiday season.
>
Cork Soaker
That's beautiful.
Trying quiteing it.
philo
> Sounds to me like your computer is daft. Try a windows 98 boot floopy and type
> format C:
>
Won't work on an NTFS partition
the OP needs to boot with the XP cd and format the drive from within the
context of the installer
joevan
You think? You are a cot socker for sure.
I don't think you should be soaking corks anymore. It makes you weird.
You coat soaker you.
Cork Soaker
I think you need a haircut.
Bucky Breeder
news:3pgiv6-...@quarkbomb.dyndns.org:
>> Canada directed by a lesbian-Australian about d�gradant
>> USA social situations - or you could just insist on
>> watching the football games wind into play-off season...
>> whatever...)
>>
>> If you don't have the "Press any key..." prompt, don't
>> worry, it just means you need to go to the gym more and
>> get away from the computers for a while.
>>
>> You can proceed safely with the prompts from the XP CD/DVD,
>> or just start over with another reboot from the disc if
>> you get lost a bit.
>>
>>
>> Best wishes to all for a joyous and safe holiday season.
>>
>
>
> I think this is good advice.
Yes, outside examining the latest crisis on the home-front, I determined that I needed
to format my outside water spicket, but it is way too cold to
be out there doing that kind of stuff right now. So hopefully, the water drips will
just freeze the leak and when it gets warmer and I'm not doing anything else I can
just get that done - unshaven, and in my robe, no less...
So... a bunch of the neighborhood kids converged at that point and asked me what Santa
was bringing me for Christmas. A quick evaluation of the crowd provoked the
conclusion that someone's parents thought it might be humorous to advance that inquiry
for my consideration... Thus, I told them "If that son-of-a-bitch lands that
phreeky-old sleigh on my roof again this year, first I'm shooting all his reindeer -
and then him too -- and you guys can split-up ALL the presents and toys; while I'll
have the lot of them stuffed - and then put on my yard as decorations! I'm thinkin' I
might win the blue ribbon this year... Hmmmm...", I faked a ponder...
Wide-eyed - with that magical sense of childhood wonder - they all rapidly
dissipated back down to road back from whence they came, presumably to their
respective homes...
About an hour later, there must have been 30 or 40 of these runny-nosed, noisy,
disease-carrying little rug-rats gathered in my yard as three of them were frantically
ringing the bell and knocking on my front door...
I grouched at them through the intercom with the volume set as loud as I could crank
it "Girl Scout Cookies will rot yer teeth, so get out of here before I call the child-
rapist-kidnappers and have you all sold off to the jihad muslims in Iraq as slaves,
bomb-carriers and camel-herders..."
"Please, Mister Bucky, we need to talk to you... we *really* *NEED* to talk to
you..." they seemingly bemoaned in unison.
I answered the door...
"Mister Bucky, please DON'T shoot Santa Claus and his reindeer... Oh
please dough-tttn'th...", their trio of annointed spokespersons pleaded.
I outwardly pondered for a moment or two over their petition -- but inwardly
calculated the high-percentage of runny-noses in the group, wondering how many of them
actully had obtained their flu shots and if they were even aware that they were
perpetrating contagious diseases amongst themselves within the gathering - or if I had
brought down my laser-pointer, how many of them would chase the red-dot -- all while
their collective anxiety and suspense palpably increased...
Then I said "OK, OK -- IF you *all* agree..." to which, with a happy murmur, they
nodded and babbled in kid-speak amongst themselves appearing absolutely delighted with
the apparent adjudication...
And then I authoritively added "But... *you* ALL *owe* *me* big-time; and you're
paying me back with free yard-work this summer... Do we have an agreement here?"
They all shrugged and nodded in obvious hesitant acquiescence their acceptance of this
capitualion, but seemed content enough as they all went back from whence they
cometh... perhaps to bother their own parents for the time being.
An as for me... I'm back to "training airline stewardesses" which is the generally
accepted "code" from parents to children about exactly what I'm doing over here when
I'm home...
"... and to all a good night!"
Best wishes to all for a safe and joyous holiday season.
Bucky Breeder
news:nf4gi5lmdtkds5kiq...@4ax.com:
> On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:24:35 -0000, "sam coleridge"
> <invali...@mail.invalid> wrote:
>
>>After being fed up with things just not working right,
>>I am trying to format my hardrive and I will then
>>reload my windows xp.
>>
>>When I go to the 'C' drive in 'my computer' and go to
>>format it tells me; windows cannot format this drive.
>>quite any programs you are using.
>
> I doubt that. It would say to quit any programs.
He probably meant to say "quiet"...
So waht, you grammar-gnatzi? Evreyoen esle udnersotod.
(It's like those boobie movies: "Keyboreds Gone Wild":
you can't really expect the keyboards to take off their
bikini tops; now can you? Hmmm... *maybe* some of the
geeker types might have different "triggers" - hoo nose?)
Best wishes to all for a safe and joyous holiday season!
Bucky Breeder
news:4rgiv6-...@quarkbomb.dyndns.org:
> Manatee Memories wrote:
>> On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:24:35 -0000, "sam coleridge"
>> <invali...@mail.invalid> wrote, by way of
>> <hg579o$ltg$1...@news.eternal-september.org>,
>> in 24hoursupport.helpdesk
>>
>>> [...]
>>>
>>> Novice grateful for any advice.
>>
>> Perhaps you *really* meant to write *quit*,
>> NOT "quite". There is a very-considerable difference
>> between the 2 words, in meaning.
>
> I think this is good advice.
>
He said he'd be happy with "any advice"...
Badger
"sam coleridge" <invali...@mail.invalid> wrote in message
news:hg579o$ltg$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
----------------------------------
Assuming that this is a serious query, you can't format your "C" drive from
within Windows because it's busy running Windows. Boot your computer from
your original XP install CD and format the drive from there. Then reinstall
XP.
Badger
Cork Soaker
>>> watching the football games wind into play-off season...
>>> whatever...)
>>>
>>> If you don't have the "Press any key..." prompt, don't
>>> worry, it just means you need to go to the gym more and
>>> get away from the computers for a while.
>>>
>>> You can proceed safely with the prompts from the XP CD/DVD,
>>> or just start over with another reboot from the disc if
>>> you get lost a bit.
>>>
>>>
>>> Best wishes to all for a joyous and safe holiday season.
>>>
>>
>> I think this is good advice.
>
> Yes, outside examining the latest crisis on the home-front, I determined that I needed
> to format my outside water spicket, but it is way too cold to
> be out there doing that kind of stuff right now. So hopefully, the water drips will
> just freeze the leak and when it gets warmer and I'm not doing anything else I can
> just get that done - unshaven, and in my robe, no less...
>
I think this is good advice.
Too tired to read more, maybe later after the peanuts and jam cakes.