Fdisk Help?- Finding "Volume Label"

Hi fellow Geeks,
I am hoping someone can help me with this. I am using Black Viper's Fdisk guide because I am trying to clean format my drive, delete all existing data/partitions, & re-install XP Pro. I have two partitions & want to delete both as my data/settings are backed up to USB HDD. I have gotten to the part where I delete the Primary DOS Partition & the computer is asking me to enter the Volume Label. Problem: I don't know the name of the volume labels! I assumed they were just "C" and "F," but apparently that is NOT what the computer wants me to enter...

Can anyone help on this? How do I find these Volume Labels names? Please be as specific as possible (lots of details) as I cannot do much searching. I am typing this out on a slow, tiny, overworked dinosaur of a notebook.

Much heartfelt thanks in advance!

Gina

 

First off, go into My Computer and right click on the different drives and it will give you what the labels are.

 

Thanks Greyhound!

So I DO have to actually leave DOS mode... ok. (That was my dilemma.) I wish the guide had told me to do this in preparation before I began, to write down the Volume Label names before I enter DOS mode. Live & learn, right?

Thanks again!

Gina

 

You could also just hit enter when asked that question, it might not have a name.

 

Crap! Now I have the erased all partitions, set one primary, & am TRYING to install Windows XP Pro but cannot get though the EULA. (I press F8 for "I agree," then nothing happens! Argh! ) This has happened before, unfortunately. My PC is not supposed to be compatible with XP Pro (it came pre-installed with Windows ME) & I hate to have to use those stupid HP restore disks yet AGAIN!

Here is the link to my PC. I ordered & received a "Windows ME to Windows XP Solution CD" with all the updated drivers/BIOS, supposedly allowing the smooth transition into XP, but the only choice XP setup is giving me is to inset a "hardware support disk" floppy! *YIKES!*

Do you know of anything that can be done through DOS?

Thanks!
Gina

 

Can someone else help him?

I can no longer help you, hopefully someone else can take over from here,, as I know nothing about XP.

 

Whew! Ok, the only thing I can come up with is what I am attempting to do right now:

1) My HDD is 38.1 Gigs in size. I can make two partitions, setting aside 2100 Mgs. for HP Restore Disks (Windows ME.) The rest I can allocate to XP Pro.

2) I can run the CD (drivers/BIOS updates for XP) to my HDD on ME.

3) Delete that smaller partition after everything is set up & XP Pro is running efficiently.

If there is an easier way or if I have missed something, please let me know!

Thanks, Peace, & Take Care!

Gina

 

Greyhound,
That's ok. Someone else will come along, or I may get this figured out, or I'll just toss the machine out the window-- LOL! (Just kidding...) Thanks for helping as much as you did!

Thanks, Peace, & Take Care,

Gina

 

I am sure that someone will jump in and help. Sorry I couldn't take you any farther. Good luck and you are doing good.

 

Thanks Robo, Greyhound!

Greyhound: Please don't worry about not knowing! (Besides, you were correct about just hitting "enter" when asked for a Volume label.) You are honest, & I would rather have you tell me you don't know than tell me the wrong thing. I get myself in a mess on a regular basis and learn from it. LOL!

For Robo or anyone else who cares to take a shot at this:
Now the machine doesn't want to take the restore disks, so I may have to
re-create the entire HDD as one partition, but am clueless as to what types of partition(s) I need. I am still looking at Black Viper's guide, but unfortunately this notebook I am using is the side of an old "etch a sketch" (the toy?) and I can barely read the words. I cannot start Windows AT ALL! I'll be up trying for a couple of hours and then I'll be back this afternoon. I'll keep posting regarding my progress (or lack of.)

Thanks, Peace, & Take Care,
Gina

 

I cant think of a reason why it wouldnt let you through the EULA besides maybe your keyboard not working.

a few quick questions:
does your keybaord have an F-lock function that turns the F keys on? (certain keyboards have the F keys assigned to different functions until you press a button)
Are you using a USB keyboard and maybe do not have support enabled in the BIOS? (or dont have USB BIOS support for that matter)

also, I wouldnt not bother with Fdisk, as WindowsXP setup provides all the partitioning options you need... once you get beyond the EULA that is

 

Gina, I'm confused. HP sent you a custom install disk that should simply install on your machine, correct? However it won't format the drive for you during the install process (standard XP installs will), so you've used fdisk to wipe and repartition the drive?

Since you're installing from CD, you should only need one partition on the drive. Primary partition, set to be active. If you've done that properly, the install should continue. The fact that it's asking for a floppy makes me wonder if you haven't got the drive partitioned and formatted properly yet. After you made your partition and set it active, did you do a format? If not, Windows likely won't see it, and thinks you need some kind of driver to make it work.

 

InYearsToCome:
Yes! I have a USB keyboard (Microsoft Wireless Multimedia Keyboard 1.0A.) My mouse is also USB (Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse) & they came together as a package. The mouse is working. The "page up" and "page down" functions worked during the reading of the EULA as well as the escape button. (None of these are F keys, though...) I can hit the F1 key & go into my BIOS. I am not too knowledgeable about BIOS, however, & don't know whether or not I have USB BIOS or the support enabled... Sorry. How could I find this out? I DO have an F Lock key & will attempt the XP Pro installation once more & play around with the keys. I am typing this on another computer, a small notebook, so I can check back here.

I already ran fdisk and set 9027 mb as my active primary. (See, I thought I couldn't install XP Pro because of existing compatibility problems with my BIOS/drivers, as suggested by HP. This is WHY I wanted to run fdisk, install the ME first, update drivers/BIOS, install XP Pro, then delete the partition with ME on it-- whew! ) Well, the Restore disks would not work either! I had XP Pro AND ME (multi-boot) on the PC until today, when I decided to try the fdisk and fresh install. I hope this gives you more insight. ANY comments/suggestions would be appreciated!

Heartfelt thanks,
Gina


PS: I just put the XP Pro CD in again & clicked "F Lock" then "F3" to see if it worked. It allowed me to quit the setup. I'll post back when I know about the EULA.

 

You didn't answer... did you format the drive after partitioning it? Even if you plan to have the XP install convert to NTFS file system during the installation, the drive has to be formatted to be recognized by Windows. Re-partitioning the drive loses the prior formatting.

This article doesn't apply to your computer specifically, but USB keyboards frequently cause problems at installation. Can you borrow a standard keyboard from somebody long enough to do the install? That well may be your problem.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;283180&Product=winxp

 

G.T:

I guess we were posting at the same time. No, HP sent a disk that had BIOS/Drivers info. I have to install these files from ME or XP. I ran fdisk for 2 reasons: (1) I tried to just stick the XP Pro CD in without running fdisk and it made another partition in which to install XP Pro, so I had both ME and XP on my machine-- multi-boot. I was trying to rid all traces of ME this time. (2) I had BOTH Acronis True Image & Partition Magic installed on my PC. (Pity I could not figure out how to use them effectively! )

It only asked me for a floppy while looking for "mass storage devices installed in (my) system" and I tried to specify as device (perhaps it detected the USB HDD?) by pressing "S."

No, because the first & second time I installed XP Pro I formatted later. (Do you mean NTFS? The primary active is currently formatted to FAT 32.) GEEZ, I am really lost here!

BTW, the XP Pro CD is an "Upgrade" CD, but I have the CD key for the ME. (Again, the first & second times were problem free.) Now, I cannot even get my System Restore disks to work!

Heartfelt thanks to everyone,
Gina

 

Sorry, G.T., slow notebook I'm typing this out on...

 

G.T.: Thanks. I'll pick one up tomorrow & we'll see if it works.

Thanks!
Gina

 

Bingo.... I think. "Mass storage device" is another fancy name for your hard drive. Windows doesn't recognize that you've got one installed.

On your earlier installs, the system was already formatted, and the install disk had no problems with that.

After you re-partitioned the disk, all formatting is GONE, and Windows can't identify the drive at all.

You MUST format the drive before trying to install Windows at this point. Which is easy, if you've already created your C:\ drive partition. Simply boot to that boot floppy you're using with fdisk on it, from the DOS prompt, type in:
format c:\
(note the space between "format" and the letter "c")
IF it askes you if you want to enable large disk support, say "yes", and sit back and wait... it will take a while.

You may still need a standard keyboard, but that's not what you're tripping over. Format it & see if that lets you go on.

 

G.T:

Ok, I'll try it! I was also freaking out because before now I could always put in the XP Pro CD & use chkdsk /p to fix problems. NOW when I try it I get "Volume seems to have an unrecoverable error." Nothing to be so happy about, but for about 5 minutes I thought I crashed my PC until I read:

Thanks & I'll let you know how it comes out!

Gina

 

Bummer...

G.T.:
Ok, I was partitioning with a Windows ME created boot floppy exactly as Black Viper's guide (here)suggests to do. So if entering "yes" to the enablement of large disk support (see attached file) would format the PC, have I already formatted...? I entered "format c:\ " at the DOS prompt (so it read "A:\>format c:\" then pressed "enter".) With the XP Pro created start up disk I got "Bad command or file name." With the Windows ME created disk I get "Parameter format not correct - c:\" Now I AM using the option (in the Windows ME disk) "Start Computer with CD-ROM support." Is this the correct thing to do?

BTW, when I choose option number 4 under FDISK Options ("Display partition information") it lists 1 partition (C), Status: A, Type: PRI DOS, Nothing under Volume Label (could this be a problem?), Mbytes: 39077, SYSTEM: UNKNOWN, and Usage: 100%. (Sorry, I can't snapshot it because I cannot bring up Windows.) I apologize for all this information. I thought that it could possibly give a little more insight. Anything else I might try?

Heartfelt thank you,
Gina

 

After you put "Y" in the box, did you hit the enter key? After that, if should say formatting, and count off percentage completed until it's done, after which I think it tells you to reboot the system. Looks like you haven't formatted yet, as system should come up as FAT32, not "system unknown". The warnings about other operating systems is normal, not a problem, and a "volume label" is an option, not a requirement. Sounds like you haven't yet actually completed formatting.

Once it's done, bring up "Display partition information" again, and it should say FAT32.

And I've GOT to head off to bed. Will look in again tomorrow....

 

Thanks G.T.,
Yes, the "integrity" of the disk was scanned, & the percentage counted up to 100%. I know what you mean because one of my partitions WAS listed as Fat32, just not now. I may work another hour or so (I'm a vampire anyway) but must go to sleep before the sun comes up. I will partition my hard drive again, one primary set to active, HOPE it formats to Fat32 & let you know how it turns out.

I'll be back here tomorrow afternoon. (Heck, I'll probably sleep until then! LOL!) I'm only one hour ahead of Mississippi (Atlanta.) Thanks for ALL of your help & please check back tomorrow (well, later today.) I really owe you for this one! Get some rest...

Goodnight (err... morning) & take care,

Gina

 

No problem. I'm working a late shift this week; 2:30 to 11:00 PM, so I'll be sleeping in too.

[edit] BTW, after formatting, reboot the computer. Necessary. THEN check again to make sure it's listed as FAT32.

Also, before installing Windows, I'd disconnect all your extermal hardware; printers, scanners, your USB hard drive, etc. Let Windows install as simply as possible, then reattach the externals one at a time and let Windows sort them out after the basics are set.

 

Good-night and {{THANK YOU!}}

Gina

 

not to add to any of the confusion but as far as the keyboard goes i have a microsoft wireless multimedia keyboard so before you press F8 to accept the EULA make sure you press the F lock key ans notice the light will become active on your reciever you can then press F8 with no problems i have done this many times myself

steps back out gracefully as your already in good hands

 

Yesssss!!!

*Jumps out of chair, does Touch- Down Dance*

AHHH-HAAA!!! That is IT! I've got it! It formatted, rebooted, asked for my old Windows CD (wouldn't take the Restore disks, thank God I had a copy of Windows 98 SE lying around too) and it's.... installing!!!

Thank you Robo!! Thank you G.T.!! You are both geniuses...
Thank you to everyone who helped me!
(Am I happy or what???)

Now this was worth staying up all night-- Windows XP Pro with no Windows ME layered underneath and no need to multi-boot. Hooaahhh!

Bless you all & have a great day!
Gina

 

That's exactly what I did General Lee! And OhmyGod, it's WORKING! (See above post.)

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Gina

 

After my victory dance, I fumbled. I'm having mouse/keyboard problems now that it's installed & I am trying to enter user names... General Lee, anyone else? What would you do? I can't stop now...

Heartfelt thanks,

Gina

 

Nevermind, got it!

Thanks, everybody have a great day,
Gina

 

Halo,
Yes, I sure am! I can't stop grinning...
Actually, my first posts here in July of 2003 were about this very topic. (Supposedly, I have a PC that cannot run anything but Windows ME without layering on an upgrade, never a clean install...) Well, we at Major Geeks sure proved HP wrong, huh?

Thanks robo! From you that is a fantastic compliment!
I didn't renew my warranty on this PC because I knew I had a much better group of people at this site than I could ever find at a call- center... I suppose I am learning. (My teachers are brilliant!)

Heartfelt thanks and have an excellent day,

Gina

 

Sounds like it was worth staying up all night for. Good for you.



Watch out, you'll end up with "The Grinning Geek" as your custom title.

 

Thanks alanc! This is something I have been trying to do for such a long time! I've clean-installed XP Pro on friends'/family's computers, but installing on my particular model of HP was tough! Now I'll be up the rest of the day configuring, installing apps, etc. But YES! Definitely worth it...

*giggles* Uh-oh... comments like that might get me that title! I could think of worse, though...

Take Care & Have a great day,
Gina

 

LOL. Just staying up all night working on a computer qualifies you as an official Geek. Glad it's working.

Thanks for catching that Robo. Was getting WAY too late for intelligent thought last night.

 

G.T. & robo: I just wanted to thank you both again! (Almost 5 pm & I haven't been to bed... ***Big Yawn***) I've tuned, configured & tweaked XP Pro now so all that is left to do is install the ethernet card, then I'll be online! (I plan on making a backup image "just in case" anything goes wrong.)

I can SO relate to that right now! My vision is blurred & I have no brain activity left- time to recharge! I'm going to veg out in front of the TV & catch a nap...

MG is such a great forum because there are so many super-intelligent geeks here! Everyone spreads the wealth of knowledge & if someone forgets a detail, another will pick it right up!

Ok, I've got to lie down now (can't believe I've been up for almost 2 days) but just wanted to give my thanks once again!

Have a great evening & take care,
Gina

 

Hey Gina, great work and sticktoitness, You are a Geek whether yoou know it or not, I knew there was someone who could help you further, and had the time to stay in there with you. Good going

 

when you get that ethernet card in.... DONT FORGET WINDOWS UPDATE!

 

Greyhound: Thanks for the compliment! Thanks also for helping me & knowing when it's time to step aside!! What a rare, refreshing quality.

InYearsToCome: Thanks for your help as well! The Windows updates are first on my list. I've had to learn (through mistakes) to take things
S L O W L Y , dot my i's & cross all my t's... Thank God I never destroyed anything valuable (knock on wood) while making those mistakes!

Peace, thanks again, & have a great day!

Gina

 

have u got windows xp pro disc?

 

Yep, sniper-uk. I've got it. I had it installed on my PC before, just layered over Windows ME, then once partitioned. I should be ok.

Thanks & Have a great day! (Or night, since you're in the uk!)
Gina