Trying to fomatt m computer.

Im ok with computers but when it comes to the command prompt and things like that i get all confused. I am trying to just, pretty much, re-do my whole computer and trying to get everything off of it and start over. I have have too many problems and all my programs are just making me mad. When i go into the windows commant prompt I type in c:\format c:
yet it says access denied and I dont know how to fix it. First of all is this even the right thing to do and if it is how do I work it. If this is wrong and I should be typing something then can some one tell e exactly what to do. Or is there another way to do this all? I have no clue. SOMEONE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

MA posted a guide to formatting here. I hope it helps.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25831

 

ok well i already looked at that but Thanks anyway man. I am not trying to format it for the first time. I need to reformat and i dont exactly know how. If that is truly what you do and there is no other way then I geuss I need to buy another Windows XP. When I try to install XP back onto my computer it says I have a invalid cdkey. Im geussing thats because I already have it on my comp, but Im noy exactly sure. All I want to do is clear my C drive so I can start over with all my programs like a new computer.

 

at the prompt you should be able to just type format c

 

Yes, I understand that is what I should be able to do however when I type that in it says access denied. I can not continue on with this operation because it says I am not allowed in and I need to know how I can continue and not have it say this.

 

Im guessing you have w98? you need a boot up floppy disk and your w98 cd (bootable) once you reboot your pc insert the floppy + the cdrom into your drive; boot from floppy when prompted and follow on screen instructions.

 

No actually I have wXP so does that still apply? I dont see any floppy all I have is a few cds. I thought there was a way to just get everything off my comp and restart from scratch.

 

Go here

download a boot disk on to a floppy. Then get into your bios and change the boot sequence to boot from the floppy first. Once your in the command prompt type "fdisk" this will delete everything. Then you should be able to format and install windows.

cooked

 

uh.........no offense but you CAN'T format your C: drive if your still in windows xp man....common sense?

See i thought you were on Dos from w98 and it didnt allow you to run that command from dos itself.......You need your original Windows XP-Home or Pro. and go into bios make first boot device CDROM; put in your wxp cd inside the drive and when it says "press any key to boot from CD-ROM" you hit any key on your keyboard and follow the "new installation[by hitting enter] and Format NTFS (not quick ntfs). Have your WXP cdkey handy and your set.

 

oh sorry i thought he was using win 98 in dos mode to. i need to learn to read. lol

 

Im just glad hes not in an enviroment to affect peoples lives drastically.....say ATC or somthing I can see it now........"GUYS I CANT ALT TAB OUT OF THIS GAME AND IM HEARING ALOT OF BEEPS!"

 

OK Thnx man. Ill try that tomorrow and ill tell you if it is working. Thnx again. Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I like it here i can learn alot.

 

Good im glad

 

If what you want to do is a clean install of XP here is a good guide:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_pro_install_-_graphic.htm

 

Not everyone has YOUR skillset. Please treat people with courtesy and respect. Do not ASSUME anything. In other words. CHILL OUT or I can help you find the door.