[DeSade]

I need to format a laptop that has no floppy drive.

The way I have always formated is use a win98 startup disc, boot to command prompt and go from there.

Obviously without a floppy I cannot do this and I am a bit stuck.

What I need to do ultimatly is remove all files from current harddrive (format) then install win xp. Should be a easy job but I have no idea where to start when all I have to work with is a cd rom.

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windows xp disk will format and delete the partitions of a current drive as part of the setup process.

[gerryf]

windows xp disk will format and delete the partitions of a current drive as part of the setup process.

[gerryf]

just read the menus instead of hitting the ENTER over and over

[DeSade]

Does that apply for the xp upgrade disc also. Thats all I have available for the laptop.

[gerryf]

hmm, don't know...this is dumb, but I cannot recall ever trying with an upgrade disk....maybe not, since the idea is to upgrade an existing OS (though it can be used for clean install)...

hold on a second...

[gerryf]

OK, made this for myself a while back when in a similar situation...this is a windows 98se boot disk on a cd, in an iso form.

So, you need to burn this as an image

use the iso burner powertoy,it's easiest

Boot to cd...have all the windows fdisk, format tools, etc

Now, the only thing I cannot recall is whether the tools will be in the root, or you need to cd to a different drive to access them..anyway, boot it, then type

dir, to see what is in the root...if fdisk/format are not there, type

d:, or e:, or f:...I was going to remake it so it would be more intuitive, but I forgot about it until you just asked....stuff is on there.

Attached Files

•  boot.zip   1.44MB   153 downloads

[DeSade]

Thanks Gerry

[gerryf]

no problem.thanks for all your help the last couple days...seen you helping a lot of people and we'd love for you to stick around, even if it means a little ISO bribery

[DeSade]

I have applied for GeekU.

Hope I get in

[wannabe1]

Hi DeSade...

The upgrade disk will work just fine for a clean install as long as you have a previous version of windows to feed the installer when it asks for a qualifying product. An upgrade cd will work here, as well.

I agree with gerryf in having you stick around...you are a great help.

wannabe1

[DeSade]

awwww cheers guys heh

[gerryf]

don't apply for geek u....we're putting you in the ultra, double secret staff tech probation status!

[DeSade]

I want to do both
software/virus is a gap in my knowledge I would like to fill

Still have to keep up with my tech stuff thou, I can be fairly helpful in this area.

[gerryf]

just teasing...yes, yes, multitask!