HD Format Question

werty316 · 21st Jan 2006, 02:56 AM

I have a 300GB HD and split it into 2x150GB partitions, drive C: and D: for example. I would choose to install windows on drive C: and I would format it during the installation steps. Will this format the whole drive meaning both partition C: and D: or will it just format C: ? I only want to format C:

Papercut · 21st Jan 2006, 03:16 AM

You should be able to format just partition C.

aKho · 21st Jan 2006, 07:59 AM

format c: /s

McTavish · 21st Jan 2006, 10:48 AM

I assume you are talking XP here or at least 2K. During the install by booting from the CD you can point it to your partition and it will format only that partition. You don’t need to or will even get an option to add the /s switch.
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winx...whdd/index.htm

However you need to have at least SP1 included on the XP CD, and SP3 on the 2K CD for the install to support hard drives over 137gigs in size.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;303013
http://www.48bitlba.com

If it’s Win9x you want to install them you won’t be able to use any more than 137gigs of the hard drive as Microsoft never added LBA support for these OSes. Even though Win9x will often see drives or partitions larger that 137gigs, you will get data corruption if you try to use them.

There is a work around for Win9x. You will have to install to a partition under the 137gig limit and then install this third party patch (not free) then you can resize the partition to what you want. http://members.aol.com/rloew1/Programs/Patch137.htm

21st Jan 2006, 02:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
werty316 Active Join Date: 3 Mar 2005 Posts: 642 Reputation: 138 Rep Power: 5	HD Format Question I have a 300GB HD and split it into 2x150GB partitions, drive C: and D: for example. I would choose to install windows on drive C: and I would format it during the installation steps. Will this format the whole drive meaning both partition C: and D: or will it just format C: ? I only want to format C: __________________ Guns don't kill people, Chuck Norris kills people!

21st Jan 2006, 03:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
Papercut Hyperactive Join Date: 14 Jul 2004 Location: Singapore! Posts: 4,991 Reputation: 2428 Rep Power: 33	You should be able to format just partition C. __________________ PC Specs "Use in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of n00bs. Overclock within 24 hours of opening. Do not read instructions before proceeding, do not use only as directed. May cause frustration, late nights and empty wallets. If symptoms persist please consult your hardware professional."

21st Jan 2006, 07:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
aKho beat around the bush Join Date: 3 Jun 2005 Location: Kuching, Sarawak Posts: 2,806 Reputation: 1169 Rep Power: 17	format c: /s __________________

21st Jan 2006, 10:48 AM	#4 (permalink)
McTavish Newbie Join Date: 2 Jan 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 11 Reputation: 21 Rep Power: 0	I assume you are talking XP here or at least 2K. During the install by booting from the CD you can point it to your partition and it will format only that partition. You don’t need to or will even get an option to add the /s switch. http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winx...whdd/index.htm However you need to have at least SP1 included on the XP CD, and SP3 on the 2K CD for the install to support hard drives over 137gigs in size. http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;303013 http://www.48bitlba.com If it’s Win9x you want to install them you won’t be able to use any more than 137gigs of the hard drive as Microsoft never added LBA support for these OSes. Even though Win9x will often see drives or partitions larger that 137gigs, you will get data corruption if you try to use them. There is a work around for Win9x. You will have to install to a partition under the 137gig limit and then install this third party patch (not free) then you can resize the partition to what you want. http://members.aol.com/rloew1/Programs/Patch137.htm