format c: does not work

after starting dos with a starup disk, i get the error - not enough memory (when format c is typed
I have a floppy boot disk, and the windows cd, but scandisk always jams up when i try a fresh install.
any ideas for me to try before throwing the computer away?
thanks
Mr going bananas

 

How much memory does the computer actually have? You could try downloading a utility from the hard drive manufacturer that will zero the hard drive to factory new condition ( minus the wear ). While it is writng 0's to all the clusters, it will also mark any that it finds defective as such, and prevent the OS from trying to use them.

 

Try booting with ur floppy and choose not to have compatibility with CDROM or something like that , that can save u come memory

 

If you trying to do a format then follow below:

1) Boot from CD-ROM

2) Start computer with CD-ROM support

3) When it comes up to A:\ Type in your drive letter first for example:

D:\ press enter

now type in cd win98 at this time it should read D:\WIN98

NOTE: If this is a Windows 95 install it should read D:\WIN95
If this is a Windows ME install it should read D:\WIN9X

4) Now type in format c: /q
Note: If this doesnt work you will get an error about an existing format. Just press Y to continue with unconditional format.

5)After this is complete reboot and boot from CD-ROM again and go thru the steps above and now instead of typing format type in this below

setup /is

This will start windows setup without scandisk and all the other things.

Let me know if you have any problems with this. Thanks!

 

trybooting without cd compatibility that would save u some memory

 

thanks for your help chaps, finallly got it working by using killdisk,
another problem with the drivers...finallly sorted though.
chow for now