formatting master hard drive

[chris]

I have a C drive and a D drive and i am wishing to format
my C drive to clean it up. I am unable to do it in disk
management and you can't do it in command prompt. I need
to find out how to format it. Any help on this topic
would be appreciated.

[Jim]

Presumably this is in prep for an OS install? If so, just boot the Windows
CD (may need to change the boot order in your BIOS) and install. The
installation will give you the opportunity to delete and recreate your
partitions. If you just want to strictly clear it, like zero it out, many
HDs come w/ a software diskette or CD containing a bootable program for this
purpose (and other maintenance chores). If not, they can often be obtained
from the HD manu. website, check the tech support section. If all else
fails, tools like BootIT NG, Partition Magic, etc., also provide similar
features and are self-booting if necessary.

Jim

"chris" > wrote in message
...
> I have a C drive and a D drive and i am wishing to format
> my C drive to clean it up. I am unable to do it in disk
> management and you can't do it in command prompt. I need
> to find out how to format it. Any help on this topic
> would be appreciated.

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Chris;
If you are wanting to erase the OS on C drive as well as all data and
start over:
Disconnect all peripherals (camera, printer, scanner, etc)
Go to BIOS and set CDROM as boot device before hard drive.
Insert Windows XP CD and reboot.
At "Press any key to boot to CDROM" quickly press a key and follow the
prompts for a Clean installation:
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
Delete all partitions in step 5 if you desire to erase all data on the
hard drive.
Partitioning and formatting will be done automatically.
All data will be destroyed, back-up important data first.

If your computer was shipped with Windows XP, these procedures may or
may not apply.
Check your manual or contact the computer manufacturer for more
details.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
Please respond to newsgroup only for everyone's benefit.


"chris" > wrote in message
...
> I have a C drive and a D drive and i am wishing to format
> my C drive to clean it up. I am unable to do it in disk
> management and you can't do it in command prompt. I need
> to find out how to format it. Any help on this topic
> would be appreciated.