Windows XP Pro Installation probs

[Hunts121]

I'm reinstalling windows on my friends computer and for some reason it won't let me delete the current partition that its on (a fresh install whiping out everything). I've done this many times on other computers, this is the first one that won't allow me to do so.

It says something about setup backup files being on the computer?? What does this mean, I know this is a mac forum but I've got help here before for other windows problems haha. I know he has compressed some of his HD, could that have something to do with it? I have the setup configured to run off the CD so I really don't know what else it could be

 

[iMeowbot]

I'd just download one of the various Linux rescue discs and wipe out the hard drive with that, then start over with the Windows install. These won't care about partitions that Windows thinks are sacred.

 

[XNine]

I'd just download one of the various Linux rescue discs and wipe out the hard drive with that, then start over with the Windows install. These won't care about partitions that Windows thinks are sacred.

Or join a Microsoft Support forum, where you will be called names and flamed into oblivion.

 

[SiliconAddict]

http://www.bootdisk.com/

Its your friend assuming there is a floppy on the system.

Assuming you can still get back into Windows (Depending on how far setup got.) do the following:

1. Click START -> Run
2. type cmd and click OK
3. In the command line type: chkdsk c: /f
4. You will get the following error:

The type of the file system is NTFS.
Cannot lock current drive.

Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another
process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be
checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)

4A. Hit Y.
5. Reboot. It will look for any bad sectors, etc. Once its down it will reboot again.
6. Boot from the CD
7. It will prompt to recover or install a new copy. Hit enter.
8. Accept the license.
9. Hit esc to install a fresh copy.
10. Highlight the partition and hit D.
11. Hit L
12. You are back at the main screen. Hit C to create a new partition.
13. Hit enter to select that partion to install XP once its created.

(Yes this was from memory. I've done this more then a few times.)

If that doesn't work you can go to the above site and create a bootfloppy with Fdisk (To kill the partition.) on it. Use a Windows 89 boot floppy. They are the most robust. By the way how old is this computer. The problem you are having sounds like a the first signs of a bad hard drive.

 

[SiliconAddict]

Or join a Microsoft Support forum, where you will be called names and flamed into oblivion.

No. As long as you don't come into the forum trashing MS you should be fine. Its when you start acting like an *** is when you get baked.

 

[robbieduncan]

Are you using a Win XP install disk or a manufacturer supplied "restore" disk? If it's the latter it may well be that there is a hidden partition on the harddrive that has the actual Windows setup files on it and you can only do a restore not a wipe and install.