I get an error message when try to format

Discussion in 'Software' started by mag1, Jan 8, 2010.

  1. mag1

    mag1 Private E-2

    Hey guys I'm about to back up and reinstall XP Pro but get an error message when I try to format my 2nd HHD as I don't need it, the message is "Windows can not format this drive. Quit any disk utilities or other programs that are using this drive, and make sure that no Window is displaying the contents of this drive". Then try formatting again..

    I don't know of any other programs using that drive so what can I do to format that drive?

    Thanks..
     
    mag1, Jan 8, 2010
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    Could be the windiws system files using it, what i woukd do as you mention you dont need it is to either try and format it in safe mide (F8 at boot) or whwn you boot to your XP cd to install XP again format it from the installer menu as you just choose that drive to fornat then choose your C: drive to install windows on.
     
    DavidGP, Jan 8, 2010
    #2
  3. mag1

    mag1 Private E-2


    Thanks Halo,
    I will try that tomorrow as it's late for me and will let you know which worked best for me;)
     
    mag1, Jan 8, 2010
    #3
  4. sach2

    sach2 Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Yes, it sounds like your boot files have been put on the second HD so Windows won't allow you to format it while XP is running.

    When you reinstall XP I would leave the second HD disconnected to ensure that all boot files go on your primary HD. After XP is up and running you can reconnect the second HD and it will be added to your system. This way you won't run into this problem in the future.

    Good Luck!
     
    sach2, Jan 8, 2010
    #4
  5. mag1

    mag1 Private E-2

    Finally some time to post;)

    It still wouldn't let me do either safe mode or when I reinstalled windows:confused
    When I boot now I have to hit F12 and on my boot menu select the HDD which now has windows on or it says missing Hal 32.dll something.

    Apart from that all is cool..;)
     
    mag1, Jan 15, 2010
    #5

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