Windows XP Reformat issue

GunnyMo · 01-09-2009, 02:35 PM

Ok, so I am trying to reformat my C: drive. I set the BIOS to boot from the CDROM first and, instead of taking me to the Windows install where I can reformat the C: drive it starts windows and takes me to my desktop! Argh!

Any suggestions?

fitbabits · 01-09-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GunnyMo

Ok, so I am trying to reformat my C: drive. I set the BIOS to boot from the CDROM first and, instead of taking me to the Windows install where I can reformat the C: drive it starts windows and takes me to my desktop! Argh!

Any suggestions?

Check your BIOS again. Make sure you save any changes before you exit.

fitbabits · 01-09-2009, 02:39 PM

Also, tapping F8 while your computer POSTs should bring up a Boot Menu, from which you can select CD-ROM.

biosc1 · 01-09-2009, 02:43 PM

Yah, check when your computer boots up if it says anywhere "Boot Menu" or something along those lines. Usually F8 or F12, etc..

Then again, I guess if you find the right one, we'll not be hearing from you because you'll be formatted

GunnyMo · 01-09-2009, 02:43 PM

Yeah, I've checked BIOS 5 different times! lol And saved every time. I'll try f8 and see what happens.

fitbabits · 01-09-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GunnyMo

Yeah, I've checked BIOS 5 different times! lol And saved every time. I'll try f8 and see what happens.

If your BIOS isn't saving settings, your CMOS battery may be running out of juice.

Also, check for any BIOS firmware updates. This may be a known problem that was addressed via a firmware update.

GigaFuzz · 01-09-2009, 03:52 PM

Windows discs often require you to press Space to enter setup, otherwise they'll just carry on booting normally. Are you leaving it unattended while it boots?

Alkanos · 01-09-2009, 03:59 PM

Sometimes you have to hit a certain key to actually boot from the CD-ROM, otherwise it boots normally. Make sure you're not just letting it skip the CD boot and go right to the HD boot.

edit: Bah, I completely missed Gigafuzz's post. Also, I didn't know about space being the key to hit.

01-09-2009, 02:35 PM	#1
GunnyMo Certified Crazy Veteran Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,803	Windows XP Reformat issue Ok, so I am trying to reformat my C: drive. I set the BIOS to boot from the CDROM first and, instead of taking me to the Windows install where I can reformat the C: drive it starts windows and takes me to my desktop! Argh! Any suggestions? __________________ XBox Live: GunnyMo G+ & The Book of Face: Mo Morris Twitter Hell: GunnyMo True Achievements: GunnyMo Steam: GunnyMo Current Playlist: Riptide, Lego Lord of the Rings, Bioshock 2, The Walking Dead, Witcher 2

01-09-2009, 02:39 PM	#3
fitbabits The Cat Whisperer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 8,879 Blog Entries: 2	Also, tapping F8 while your computer POSTs should bring up a Boot Menu, from which you can select CD-ROM. __________________ The Cat Whisperer Gamertag - fitbabits \| PSN ID - fitbabits \| Steam - fitbabits

01-09-2009, 02:43 PM	#5
GunnyMo Certified Crazy Veteran Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,803	Yeah, I've checked BIOS 5 different times! lol And saved every time. I'll try f8 and see what happens. __________________ XBox Live: GunnyMo G+ & The Book of Face: Mo Morris Twitter Hell: GunnyMo True Achievements: GunnyMo Steam: GunnyMo Current Playlist: Riptide, Lego Lord of the Rings, Bioshock 2, The Walking Dead, Witcher 2

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01-09-2009, 02:43 PM	#4
biosc1 monoputer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 7,613	Yah, check when your computer boots up if it says anywhere "Boot Menu" or something along those lines. Usually F8 or F12, etc.. Then again, I guess if you find the right one, we'll not be hearing from you because you'll be formatted

01-09-2009, 03:52 PM	#7
GigaFuzz Xbox Serial Killer Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Glasgow, Scotland. Posts: 1,057	Windows discs often require you to press Space to enter setup, otherwise they'll just carry on booting normally. Are you leaving it unattended while it boots?

01-09-2009, 03:59 PM	#8
Alkanos Plutonian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 306	Sometimes you have to hit a certain key to actually boot from the CD-ROM, otherwise it boots normally. Make sure you're not just letting it skip the CD boot and go right to the HD boot. edit: Bah, I completely missed Gigafuzz's post. Also, I didn't know about space being the key to hit.