Can't format c: using comand prompt in my vista laptop?

Hi,





I am trying to downgrade to XP, but when i try to format my c: with command prompt, everything goes well until it asks me whether i want to format my drive or not (and all info will be lost etc). it gives me the y/n option, when i enter y





it says its formating, but on the next line it says that system partition could not be formated or something like that... i don't know what to do after that





i am not that familiar with command prompt... so if you have any suggestions, could you please guide me with a step by step instruction





Thanks in Advance


Sid

Can't format c: using comand prompt in my vista laptop?
You'd need to get a Boot CD to format the C drive..


Can't do so while windows is running...





If you need a Boot CD I can help with that....
Reply:did you try instead of losing vista completely to install xp on a separate partition. that way you still have vista but you also have xp! It's called dual booting. I was going to do the same as you but did a dual boot instead and I'm so glad I did , I like vista now and I have both operating systems. I also have enough ram to support vista which really makes a difference in the performance.
Reply:You need to boot up from XP CD and then first thing is to delete the partition. then do a quick format (I am assuming the HD is still new).





Hope this helps.
Reply:thats why you don't get windows vista.
Reply:That is because you have Vista Booted up, and since it is actively using the files to keep itself running, i tcannot format the disk. You have to boot up in DOS mode to format it. Download free dos online and do that.
Reply:Format is like you want to turn down a room the first thing to do is to get out of the room. same with formatting the hard drive, you can't format c: drive from c: drive.


boot up with floppy or CD you get to a:\ drive, type the followings


a:\ format c:/s press enter


follow to the end of format, you end up with clean drive.