Invalid disk

[Roel]

I have an old WD HD that seems to got a virus. It was a loaded win WIN ME now Im not able to access it not even going to c:> from A:> using a boot up disk.

I tried to re format it using format c: but its not accepting. Im nor familiar with FDISK command its asking so many selection. my HD capacity is just 4.3 GB. Can somebody help me I just wanted to re format the drive.

[Jumby]

I would say go to bootdisk.com and download the Win98, Me, boot disk, but their site won't open. Try it later. They have a couple of good boot disks --- one in particular. With it, you can fdisk, partition etc. and load Windows. BigBlue, diurnal, Rick, mjc, iisbob or YODA might be able to give some suggestions first about what might be wrong. They actually have computers on their shoulders...I swear!

[Roel]

Thanks Jumby
Actually that's my main problem it says that the drive is having invalid Partitions. and fomat command doesn't work.

[Jumby]

Their site is still down and I've searched for another site for a good boot disk, but can't find one. A good, easy boot disk is what you need.

[Jumby]

Ok Roel, go here and download this disk. http://www.webmasterfree.com/ubd.html

[mjc]

You can try using fdisk_/mbr (the underscore is a space) at the DOS prompt....that should fix the MBR and it may allow you to reformat, also you may want to go grab the drive utilities for that drive from WD...it includes a "zero-fill" utility that totally wipes the drive clean......

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[fixrupr]

Roel,
Perhaps I’m dense, but it appears that you only need the windows boot disk.

UNLESS you have drive overlay installed. Is your PC a Compaq?
If so, kindly ignore all of this post. Only a real geek can deal with that.

Does the hard disk have a drive overlay or a disk management program? If your computer uses drive overlay software to enable large hard disk support, do not use the Fdisk tool until you have checked with the software manufacturer. If you are not sure, view the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article or contact the software manufacturer before you proceed:
Q186057 How to Tell If Drive Overlay Program Is Installed in Windows (quote from site that follows)


If no drive overlay program is installed:
to see complete instructions re fdisk and format go
here (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q255867#1)


after booting into fdisk using instructions at above site, you will end up at this screen:
1. Create DOS partition or Logical DOS Drive
2. Set active partition
3. Delete partition or Logical DOS Drive
4. Display partition information

Choose #3 until all partitions are deleted.
When you choose #4 it will say, “no partitions defined”.
Now choose #1 and create a DOS partition, using info from above site as a guide.

reboot

Format using info at above site, typing at the A: prompt “format C: /s” (w/o quotes)

Fdisk/format might seem complex at first, but your PC won’t explode if you don’t get it right the first try.
Print the info at the above site. Cross off all the stuff that doesn’t apply (slaves, multiple partitions etc) and you will see that the process is straightforward. I'm no geek, and I managed to figure it out.
Post back re questions re choices (fat vs. fat32 etc) if you need help.




[This message has been edited by fixrupr (edited 01-03-2002).]

[Paleo Pete]

One addition to fixrupr's advice.

Reboot after removing the partitions, then recreate the partition, reboot again, format and install.

Rebooting between removing and recreating the partitions allows it to reset and update the MBR then you can start over with a totally clean slate. If you boot with a windows start up disk it will tell you that the drive has no valid partitions or is not present, don't worry about that, it's because you just removed the partition. You'll be recreating it, then after formatting it will be ready to go.

------------------
Support the right to keep and arm bears.
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.dreamwater.com/paleopete/computer.htm) has been moved, please update your bookmarks.

[fixrupr]

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif
Thanks for the addition Pete,
Lowly mortal that I am, I will do it your way in the future.
Maybe I’ve been lucky on previous fdisks.