cannot format c:

hoota · #1 May 2nd, 2004, 09:38 AM

After doing tutorial, how to delete a partition (fdisk) and how to create a partition (fdisk), I tried how to format a partition. When I type in A:\format c: /s, I get bad command error, also from format c:

**degsy** · #2 May 2nd, 2004, 03:41 PM

Welcome

What bootdisk are you booting from?
You can download and run a bootdisk creator from http://www.bootdisk.com

In FDISK have you checked that your partition has been created successfully?
After it has been created you will have to reboot using the bootdisk then you should be able to use the FORMAT C: /S command.

hoota · #3 May 3rd, 2004, 07:44 AM

I am using the windows 98 se oem boot disk. How do I find if the partition was successful?, I went to #4 in fdisk which told me c: 1.

**GretaP** · #4 May 3rd, 2004, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoota

I am using the windows 98 se oem boot disk

That may be the problem right there, if you're referring to the boot disk that came with the install CD.......for whatever reason, the OEM boot disk that comes with the install CD does not have format.com on it. D/load the file to create another WIN98 startup disk from here. Click on the link for Windows 98 SE OEM (although it says OEM, it does contain the format.com file in the ebd.cab file) and d/load the file to hard drive (do NOT d/load the file directly to floppy as this does NOT create the startup disk). Once the file has been d/loaded, put a formatted floppy disk in the drive and then double-click on the d/loaded file in order to create the startup disk. Boot from the newly created startup disk and use it to format the C partition.

hoota · #5 May 5th, 2004, 01:30 PM

I downloaded the bootdisk from bootdisk.com, now it starts to format but stops part way through. I have tried to restart format 3 times but the best it gets to is 17%, then it gives the message "not ready, format terminated." Any more help would be greatly appreciated, this is giving me a huge headache.
Thanks
Hoota.

**degsy** · #6 May 5th, 2004, 02:33 PM

If you know the make of your harddrrive then goto the Manufacturers site and download their disk tools.

They will help you format & partition the drive.

btw, if it is failing to read the disk during the format then it may be because the BIOS is "loosing" the disk.
This could be caused by a failing harddrive, a faulty cable, a faulty motherboard or a dead motherboard battery.