format vs. fdisk?

[Jackie Peay]

I want to load Windows ME on a clean hard disk. What is the procedure using c:\format vs. fdisking? IT's a compaq deskpro, 500 mgz, 6 gig hard drive. Goal is to start fresh and erase all traces of previous settings, etc. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[YODA74]

Jackie Didn't these guy's answer this already keep the same topic to the origonal post. http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/001521.html

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Treading,Troden,Trails
HERE (http://www.davematthewsband.com)

[Jackie Peay]

Originally posted by YODA74:
Jackie Didn't these guy's answer this already keep the same topic to the origonal post. http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/001521.html



I'm sorry to bother everyone. I've since been told to format the disk to clean it instead of fdisk. I know if I hit the wrong button I can wipe out everything, so I'm trying to be very careful.

[rond36]

This Microsoft support artical on How to fdisk and format (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q255867) might help be sure to print it out so you can refer back to it later if needed. Be careful I have heard that Compaq puts part of the system BIOS on the harddrive. I don't Know if fdisk and format would remove this (lets hope not for your sake) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif

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Alright who messed it up this time!

[YODA74]

Jackie you just live up the road from me i live in stanley, your not bothering any one were more than happy to help. just should have asked this in the origonal topic you started so the people that helped could keep up. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Treading,Troden,Trails
HERE (http://www.davematthewsband.com)

[Jackie Peay]

Thank you for your answer. I did print out all this documentation (15 pages) but someone told me the process is really easier than all this. Just boot from the boot disk, run format c: from the a prompt, then after it formats the disk, you will go back to the a prompt. Then change to d:\ (cd drive) and type setup (with win ME cd in the drive). This sounds much easier so I think I will try it. Wish me luck! Any advice from here?

Originally posted by rond36:
This Microsoft support artical on How to fdisk and format (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q255867) might help be sure to print it out so you can refer back to it later if needed. Be careful I have heard that Compaq puts part of the system BIOS on the harddrive. I don't Know if fdisk and format would remove this (lets hope not for your sake) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif



http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Jumby]

Advice? Keep Win98...
Did I say that?

[rond36]

It realy is that easy Microsoft but makes it sound hard

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Alright who messed it up this time!