I have to agree with glc. Why bother trying to format (or fdisk, if you really want to get down to it) the c: drive and rip out the Windows directory, when the Windows installation process gives you the option to delete the existing partition, and it takes less than a minute if you choose the quick format option?

My recommendation would be to buy a new hard drive ($50 for a 320Gb), preserving the original installation just in case you need to get back to the data on it. I've reloaded plenty of machines (17 years in IT support), only to realize that I forgot to backup some obscure file, or can't figure out what that "unknown device" is in device manager. Of course, there are other ways to preserve the entire drive without buying another one, like using Ghost or DriveImage to make an image of the entire hard drive, but that adds a lot more complexity.

 

You've never heard of the format command? You must have never worked with those square plastic things we used before CDs were invented.

 

Just a quick update ---- those of you who wish to conintue this thread may do so, but for my case, as the OP - my project was a success. My Dad's eMachine had a restore disk that allowed me to archive his files in a background file, while installing a new Windows XP for my Mom to work from. Then it was a simple issue to reload the printer drivers, drivers for his wireless keyboard and mouse and re-establishing the DSL connection.

It all worked fine and Mom is now learning computer 101 - sending email and beginning to surf the next. Thanks to allfor your help!

 

Congratulations on successfully completing your misson!

 

Yea, good job, congrats!

 

attaboy

 

OH yea those little things you put in the a drive .. Lol i was talking about never heard that particular way on a Xp Install.