Reformating Hard Drive, need help

[Tetamesh]

I'm trying to reformat my HD (Windows XP). Whenever i put in the disk and follow the instructions on the manual i get an error that says the startup program cannot gain access. Anyone know what i have to do? (http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-dimension-4600-pentium/4505-3118_7-30529709.html)
the specs are all on that site but i have 1 GB of ram and a geforce 7600 GS now

[mesonm]

Are you in Windows? Which version?

Why do you need a floppy? In Win XP, all I do to reformat is to right click the drive, and select format.

Are you by chance trying to reformat the same [logical] drive that Windows boots from?

[Tetamesh]

i said XP, and its not a floppy. I'm using a CD that came with the computer that the manual said you should use. Should i just try right clicking and selecting format?

[Khab]

Are you trying to format your boot drive to re-install Windows or just format a different drive or partition. If it's the latter, you just right click the drive and select format. You don't need a CD for that. If you want to re-install Windows, you boot from the Windows CD or use the CD that came with the PC.

[Tetamesh]

reinstall windows, and when i do that i get something that says "start up program cannot gain access."

[DrScience]

Floppy? he didn't say floppy. He's trying to reformat his hard drive.

To reformat:

1. Insert XP install CD
2. reboot system, boot from CD (you may need to change your BIOS options to have the CD/DVD ROM drive as the first boot device).
3. Progress through the installer (agree to terms, do not choose to 'repair' the current install)
4. In the partition menu, choose your Windows (C:) partition, and hit 'D' to delete it. Follow instructions to confirm partition & data deletion.
5. After the partition has been deleted, select 'unpartitioned space' from the partition menu, hit Enter.
6. A message will appear saying a new partition has been created, but must now be formatted. Format the drive using the NTFS file system (NOT the 'Quick' option).
7. The drive will format (usually about an hour, maybe more depending on HDD/partition size), then Windows will install automatically after formatting is completed.
8. After Windows finishes installing you must install system drivers
9. Rejoice, you're done.'


EDIT 2: I just noticed that you're using a Dell Dimension system. This is my area of expertise, as i'm a Dell certefied technician.

TO BOOT FROM THE CD ON A DELL SYSTEM, HIT F12 AT THE DELL BIOS SCREEN, THEN CHOOSE CD/DVD ROM DRIVE FROM THE BOOT MENU... when it says "press any key to boot from the CD", you will have about 2 seconds to respond or else it will boot to Windows again.

[Tetamesh]

thanks for the help

[DrScience]

You know, you can call Dell tech support and we'll walk you through this process... Even if your warranty is expired.

Canada (my line): (800)387-5757
USA: (800)822-8965

[Tetamesh]

i got it to work, thanks though

[Tetamesh]

I cant connect to the internet now, any idea why? My router still works and i can play WoW and everything on my laptop but the internet wont work on my desktop.

[Khab]

Have you installed the Network drivers?

[DrScience]

You still need to install your system drivers. Dig out your Dell branded Resource CD, insert it in the system.

1. Allow Resource CD installation
2. after installtion, ensure your system model is listed at the left side of the Driver CD main menu.
3. At the top of the window, click on 'Utilities'. Find the item labelled 'Desktop System Software', click it, then scroll down in the right-pane and find the button labelled 'extract now'. Click it, and allow it to extract file contents to defualt locations - an installer will run, allow it to install to default location. You may be asked to reboot the system after this completes.
4. After rebooting, eject the CD and re-insert it so it will autoplay. Back to the CD main menu. Click 'Drivers' at the top of the window. You will be extracting and installing ALL system drivers to their defualt locations (And rebooting when it asks if you want to!). The following is the driver installation order:
A. Intel Chipset
B. Audio Driver
C. Video Driver
D. Network Driver
E. (Additional drivers for remaining hardware)

If you are using the Resource CD that was shipped with your computer than the drivers that you need shoud have a checkmark beside them in their listings.

Again, if you are having issues with installing Windows or Drivers, i would emplore you to contact Dell support, as they can walk you through the process pretty fast.