Thread: can we format c drive from d drive

Hi,
I have window xp proff sp2 in c and d drive both partition. Now from d drive i want to format c drive to install xp again. but it wont allowed me to format. Is it possible to format c drive and re-install xp. In that case is after that it shown me d drive xp or not?

You can put the WinXp cd into the cd drive, boot from it and format C and re-install in C, if you are dual-booting Xp with Xp 9 (in C and D) use EasyBCD to add Xp in D to the bootloader.

You cannot format C from D if Windows is installed on C. But if you are having a dual boot system and if Windows is installed on D, then you can format C drive.

Originally Posted by uncleji

Hi,
I have window xp proff sp2 in c and d drive both partition. Now from d drive i want to format c drive to install xp again. but it wont allowed me to format. Is it possible to format c drive and re-install xp. In that case is after that it shown me d drive xp or not?

There are many factors which decide that you can do it or not.

• If you have any of the following files i.e. pagefile.sys (swap space or virtual memory) or hiberfil.sys(for hibernation ), in your C drive for the windows installed in D, then it won't allow you.
• If after booting from second drive, it shows the first drive as C drive and the booted partition as D, then it won't allow you because of sharing of same boot parameters by both windows installations.

If you have any of the above conditions satisfying then you should not format the C drive, because it will affect the Xp in D drive . Sorry for the 'khichdi' kind of writing. I tried my best to make it clear.

Originally Posted by uncleji

Hi,
I have window xp proff sp2 in c and d drive both partition. Now from d drive i want to format c drive to install xp again. but it wont allowed me to format. Is it possible to format c drive and re-install xp. In that case is after that it shown me d drive xp or not?

Log in from the OS in drive D and format the C drive. But a better idea will be select format and installation after booting from the CD.

boot from xp disc and then format opition is available there.

select it.

Thanks for replay. I successfully formatted c drive using bootable disc and after that it is showing both OS , c and d drive .

Always Welcome

yes,
boot from Xp Disc and Then Select Drive ..
[C OR D]

Originally Posted by uncleji

Thanks for replay. I successfully formatted c drive using bootable disc and after that it is showing both OS , c and d drive .

just follow these steps

right-click on my comp > properties > advanced > startup and recovery > settings > edit

you will find these kinda lines

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

delete the line in which your C drive partition was located, be careful while removing, confirm twice and then remove.

Save It and reboot.

Originally Posted by uncleji

Hi,
I have window xp proff sp2 in c and d drive both partition. Now from d drive i want to format c drive to install xp again. but it wont allowed me to format. Is it possible to format c drive and re-install xp. In that case is after that it shown me d drive xp or not?

yeah you can still do that ..but i guess you had to delete both drives and its partitions and create/choose a new one instead and reformat it..try this and let me know what happens..

u can use windows XP bootable disc to format c:\ but you will need to install OS again