Format hdd

[cK]

I have xp installed and ive had this problem before but cant remember how I got around it.

I can't format the hdd in windows as it says the drive is being used.

Ive tried booting into safemode with cmd prompt but same result.

my cd drive is fucked and won't even open so I cant reboot the computer and put the windows cd in. Im having to try to reinstall windows off my harddrive. (copied the whole windows cd onto C:\)

Obviously if I format my hdd im going to loose my copied installation files from the windows cd and then when I reboot im not going to be able to run the installer, and I still cant use the cd drive so i might be fucked. :S

Could I boot the computer using an external dvd/cd drive with the windows cd inserted? Don't external dvd/cd drives connect via usb? Is usb going to be supported upon initial bootup i.e - not even into windows yet.

Any ideas?

 

[Dink]

try to boot off the windows cd in an external cd/dvd drive.

you'll just need to adjust your settings in bios

 

[cK]

f**k it, ignore my post, im binning the laptop as the fan and motherboard are fucked, keeps turning itself off. Can I salvage anything off it to put into my new laptop like the memory?

It has 512ddr ram and my new laptop has 2gb ram. Its a toshiba. This one below.

http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe....seriesHomepage.do?service=UK&SERIES_ID=132325

 

[Dink]

nah it looks like ddr2 in your new laptop so there would be no benifit