formatting

[Alexandra]

I need to format my computer..too much information has
been put on it..and i can only access my computer
properly by shutting it down with the button and then
wen i put it on again i cant let it searach for
errors..or else its too slow...so anywayas i have an
IBM..and i've tried command prompt..and it doesnt work..i
tried the format c:...everything..it always says the
volume is in use..even wen i take everything away from my
task bar...and from desktop..what do i do?! im
lost..PLEASE HELP

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Alexandra;
You can not format the drive Windows is installed from within Windows.

What is the actual issue?
Perhaps it can be solved another way.
Try a few things first otherwise follow directions later for a Clean
Installation.

Go to Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel and uninstall what is no
longer needed.

Run an updated virus scan.
Or Scan for Viruses online:
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/home.asp?j=1&langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=IRLFIZTYMWPAZTJWUFJ
Run Disk Cleanup checking all boxes except "Compress old files"
Run Defrag.
If you have file sharing software such as Kazaa, disable it.
Check this link:
http://www.aumha.org/a/noads.php
Run Ad-Aware (free version) or Spybot to check for spyware:
http://www.lavasoft.de/ (Update if you already have it)
Or
http://spybot.eon.net.au/ (Update if you already have it)
This may apply if you recently installed Windows XP Service Pack 1:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q815411


Try a Clean Installation this way:
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.
After you are finished, you will need to load the appropriate drivers.

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.


"Alexandra" > wrote in message
...
> I need to format my computer..too much information has
> been put on it..and i can only access my computer
> properly by shutting it down with the button and then
> wen i put it on again i cant let it searach for
> errors..or else its too slow...so anywayas i have an
> IBM..and i've tried command prompt..and it doesnt work..i
> tried the format c:...everything..it always says the
> volume is in use..even wen i take everything away from my
> task bar...and from desktop..what do i do?! im
> lost..PLEASE HELP