Reformatting C: Drive...

[gcn_zelda]

I've done this before, but I reinstalled Windows last time, so I just created a startup disk.

I don't want to reinstall Windows this time, though. I'm planning on installing Linux (I have it downloaded on another computer, but I'm out of blank CDs. My mom's picking some up tonight).

For some reason, Windows seems to be trying to prevent me from reformatting. When I use the MS-Dos Prompt, it says I can't do it, and when I go to My Computer and right-click on C: and click Format, it didn't work, either.

You guys are more computer-smart than me, so that's why I'm asking here :P

[B0bDole]

Just burn linux to cd...insert cd, restart computer, boot from cd, in setup let it format the hd... simple as that

[major_small]

For some reason, Windows seems to be trying to prevent me from reformatting. When I use the MS-Dos Prompt, it says I can't do it, and when I go to My Computer and right-click on C: and click Format, it didn't work, either.

That's strange - the head of demolitions won't let us blow the charges on the building he's currently in...

[RoD]

lmao major.

you cant format a drive running windows.

[ober]

LMAO!!! Good one, major.

I don't know why you're even bothering. Any decent Linux distro will do the formatting for you.

[B0bDole]

Any decent Linux distro will do the formatting for you.

Like I said.

[gcn_zelda]

Okay, I understand that now.

I changed the boot priority from FDD -> HDD -> CD-ROM to CD-ROM -> FDD -> HDD, but the CD with Linux on it won't boot. It just goes straight to Windows.

Any suggestions?

[InvariantLoop]

Did you download the ISO files? If you did, did you check verify them? If so and all are correct, did you burn the images properly on the cd's? Check out this site http://www.linuxiso.org/

edit: i just put my linux cds in my cdrom. If you have burned your cd's correct you should be able to launch the install by clicking on the cdrom icon while your logged into windows. The mandrake cds that i have can install linux while your in windows.

[PING]

restart the computer in MSDOS mode.. in win98, its in the select shutdown from the start menu and you will find this option there...then, once it starts in the MSDOS mode, you can format C: from there..for the parameters to format, just type format/? at the prompt.

[gcn_zelda]

I had failed to burn the ISO as an image, so that's why it was unbootable.

[InvariantLoop]

Yep thats why it wasnt booting up. What distro are you using?

[gcn_zelda]

Ubuntu. I've heard some pretty good things about it.