Format hard drive / delete NTFS partition (Windows XP)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of formatting a hard drive and deleting an NTFS partition while running Windows XP. Participants explore various methods and tools for partition management, as well as the rationale behind installing Windows ME before upgrading to XP.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about deleting an NTFS partition and asks for safer alternatives to using "WIPEOUT" or "DELPART".
  • Another participant suggests using the Windows XP CD's partition tool to delete the partition and reformat it, questioning the need to install Windows ME first.
  • A participant mentions their lack of experience with installing XP directly after formatting and expresses uncertainty about whether their XP CD is only for upgrades.
  • There is a suggestion to check a specific webpage for help with booting issues related to the Windows XP CD.
  • One participant corrects the claim that only "WIPEOUT" or "DELPART" can delete NTFS partitions, stating that Fdisk can also delete any partitions, although it can only create FAT/FAT32.
  • A later reply indicates that the boot problem has been resolved, and the participant now understands how to use the partition tool.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods for deleting NTFS partitions and the necessity of installing Windows ME before upgrading to XP. The discussion includes both support for using the Windows XP CD and skepticism about the tools mentioned.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the capabilities of their Windows XP CDs, particularly whether they can be used for clean installations or are limited to upgrades. There are also unresolved questions about the effectiveness and safety of the suggested partition tools.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for users dealing with partition management on older Windows operating systems, particularly those considering formatting drives and reinstalling operating systems.

DivGradCurl
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Folks,

I'm running Windows XP, but now I need to format my hard drive. The only potential difficulty that I foresee is having to deal with the NTFS partition. I'd like to get rid of it, install Windows ME and then upgrade it back to XP.

I've read that the only way to delete any NTFS partition is to use either "WIPEOUT" or "DELPART". I'm skeptical when it comes to downloading executable files that I have never heard about. Could you please give me some advice? Is there a better (and safer) way to delete the NTFS partition?

Thanks!
 
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Pop in windows xp cd and use the partition tool to delete the partition and reformat it nfts.

Question: Why would you want to install windows ME and then upgrade back to XP? Why not just install XP?
 
Question: Why would you want to install windows ME and then upgrade back to XP? Why not just install XP?

I've never installed XP immediately after formatting my hard drive. Since I have only used my XP cd to upgrade the system, I'm not sure it would work otherwise. Maybe, my cd is just for upgrading. I don't know.

Pop in windows xp cd and use the partition tool to delete the partition and reformat it nfts.

My windows xp cd does not boot, even if I use the BIOS to change the 1st Boot Device to be the cdrom. So, I can't just pop it in. By the way, how is the partition tool called? Is it either "WIPEOUT" or "DELPART"?

Thanks
 
Maybe the suggestions on this page will help (see "If Your CD Won't Boot"):

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:FhDCLijhWq8J:www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/honeycutt_02october07.mspx+clean+install+%22windows+xp+upgrade%22&hl=en&start=1
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thiago_j said:
By the way, how is the partition tool called? Is it either "WIPEOUT" or "DELPART"?

It just looks like this:

http://www.blackviper.com/Articles/OS/InstallXPHome/images/image1_8.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thiago_j said:
I've read that the only way to delete any NTFS partition is to use either "WIPEOUT" or "DELPART".
You were misinformed. Fdisk can do it - that is, it can delete any partitions (even those it doesn't recognize, such as NTFS). Of course, it can only create FAT/FAT32.
 
Thank you guys! The boot problem has been resolved, and now I understand how to deal with the partition tool.
 

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