Guest dareys Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Greetings, I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition (SP2) on my machine. At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks from the hardware vendor. So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am having a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this site, hopefully? Thank you. Jean-Pierre
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Windows "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:31A5D43A-FC0D-4BB9-B88C-D5A45B57B0B9@microsoft.com... > Greetings, > > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition > (SP2) on my machine. > > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks > from > the hardware vendor. > > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am > having > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this > site, hopefully? > > Thank you. > > Jean-Pierre > Locating a boot disk is easy - just type this into a Google search box: download "boot disk". It will give you http://www.bootdisk.com. Note that fdisk.exe is NOT a low-level format command. Note also that the tasks performed by fdisk.exe and format.com (on a Win98 boot disk) are equally performed by the WinXP installation process. To low-level format a disk, you must download the diagnostic program from the home site of your disk manufacturer.
Guest Mick Murphy Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 RE: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Windows Is it the proper XP disk, or the manufacturer's disk, with an image? If Proper Microsoft XP disk, you delete existing partition, make a new partirion, format it, and install XP, all from the XP disk. -- Mad Mike "dareys" wrote: > Greetings, > > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition > (SP2) on my machine. > > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks from > the hardware vendor. > > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am having > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this > site, hopefully? > > Thank you. > > Jean-Pierre >
Guest dareys Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Pegasus, Thank you for the site information. The vendor themselves pointed me to it because apparently the commands are no longer supported. In any case, I downloaded a couple of patches and they don't include fdisk or format. Yes, I understand that fdisk partitions the drive and that format does what it implies. I really want to do this because the OS install disks are doing something funny and I really want to have a clean slate. I have tried the re-install process a number of times, and it is very odd. No real option to perform the format... It is also rather quick and deletes and copies files across several CDs.... Not sychronous or linear like I thought it would be. PLease let me know if you think of something else. Regards, Jean-Pierre "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > > "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:31A5D43A-FC0D-4BB9-B88C-D5A45B57B0B9@microsoft.com... > > Greetings, > > > > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition > > (SP2) on my machine. > > > > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times > > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks > > from > > the hardware vendor. > > > > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am > > having > > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this > > site, hopefully? > > > > Thank you. > > > > Jean-Pierre > > > > Locating a boot disk is easy - just type this into a Google search box: > > download "boot disk". > > It will give you http://www.bootdisk.com. > > Note that fdisk.exe is NOT a low-level format command. Note also that the > tasks performed by fdisk.exe and format.com (on a Win98 boot disk) are > equally performed by the WinXP installation process. To low-level format a > disk, you must download the diagnostic program from the home site of your > disk manufacturer. > > >
Guest dareys Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 RE: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind RE: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Mick, Thank you for the response. Yes, I just received the original manufacturer installation disks. However, the re-installation process does not allow me to partition or format anything. It just does it. I might just have to try again. Jean-Pierre P.S. You are right about the process. I have been through it a number of times this year. "Mick Murphy" wrote: > Is it the proper XP disk, or the manufacturer's disk, with an image? > If Proper Microsoft XP disk, you delete existing partition, make a new > partirion, format it, and install XP, all from the XP disk. > -- > Mad Mike > > > "dareys" wrote: > > > Greetings, > > > > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition > > (SP2) on my machine. > > > > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times > > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks from > > the hardware vendor. > > > > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am having > > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this > > site, hopefully? > > > > Thank you. > > > > Jean-Pierre > >
Guest Mick Murphy Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 RE: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind RE: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind If you have say an Acer computer, you get a set of 3 disks from the manufacturer. They are an image of the System, which you reinstall from them. You have no choice to do any work with them at all. The advice I was giving you is if you have the Microsoft XP disk. You are booting from the CD drive, and reinstalling from there? At Startup, go into Bios/Setup(F1, F2, or Delete Key), and set the CD/DVD Drive to be 1st in the Boot Order; insert disk, reboot, etc. If you are getting errors, post the error messages back here. -- Mad Mike "dareys" wrote: > Mick, > > Thank you for the response. Yes, I just received the original manufacturer > installation disks. However, the re-installation process does not allow me to > partition or format anything. It just does it. I might just have to try again. > > Jean-Pierre > > P.S. You are right about the process. I have been through it a number of > times this > year. > > "Mick Murphy" wrote: > > > Is it the proper XP disk, or the manufacturer's disk, with an image? > > If Proper Microsoft XP disk, you delete existing partition, make a new > > partirion, format it, and install XP, all from the XP disk. > > -- > > Mad Mike > > > > > > "dareys" wrote: > > > > > Greetings, > > > > > > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition > > > (SP2) on my machine. > > > > > > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times > > > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks from > > > the hardware vendor. > > > > > > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am having > > > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > > > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this > > > site, hopefully? > > > > > > Thank you. > > > > > > Jean-Pierre > > >
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:EB1E230E-A9F3-4028-9CFF-EFD99FCEE950@microsoft.com... > Pegasus, > > Thank you for the site information. The vendor themselves pointed me to > it > because apparently the commands are no longer supported. In any case, I > downloaded a couple of patches and they don't include fdisk or format. The standard Win98 boot disk/CD from http://www.bootdisk.com ***does*** include fdisk and format.
Guest Daave Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Something doesn't seem right. By definition, when you perform a clean install of XP, you are formatting your drive. Perhaps you are performing a repair install? Or inadvertently a parallel install? Please describe these "original manufacturer installation disks." If you are installing XP Home, there is only *one* installation CD! What is the make and model of your PC? Perhaps these other disks contain installation files for programs as well as hardware device drivers. Once you post with complete information, people here will be better able to assist you. If you have a Windows XP *installation* CD -- this is not the same thing as what Mick was describing (i.e., a "recovery" or "restore" disk, which contains an image of the hard drive the way it initially was when it first left the factory) -- you should be able to perform a clean install. Use the directions here: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html And if this is what you have been doing, please let us know at which step you run into the problem. My guess is that you are booting off the hard drive rather than the CD-ROM drive. But you need to tell us! If my guess is correct, all you need to do is enter the BIOS to configure your PC to boot off the CD-ROM drive. The method to enter the BIOS depends on your motherboard. See: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm Keep in mind that a clean install deletes *everything* -- all your data, settings, and programs. You will need to back up all your data and settings first. You will need to have all your program installation files and drivers for your hardware. Clean installations, although effective, can be time-consuming. They are generally not recommended for addressing problems (unless your system has been severely compromised). It's usually better to deal with the problem at hand. If you would prefer to do that, this newsgroup is a good place start. Another option is to perform a repair install, which repairs your Windows installation without deleting your files, settings, and programs. "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:CE3F62B9-CDA2-4439-B7EE-2D1863EAD9A8@microsoft.com... > Mick, > > Thank you for the response. Yes, I just received the original > manufacturer > installation disks. However, the re-installation process does not > allow me to > partition or format anything. It just does it. I might just have to > try again. > > Jean-Pierre > > P.S. You are right about the process. I have been through it a number > of > times this > year. > > "Mick Murphy" wrote: > >> Is it the proper XP disk, or the manufacturer's disk, with an image? >> If Proper Microsoft XP disk, you delete existing partition, make a >> new >> partirion, format it, and install XP, all from the XP disk. >> -- >> Mad Mike >> >> >> "dareys" wrote: >> >> > Greetings, >> > >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home >> > Edition >> > (SP2) on my machine. >> > >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a >> > dozen times >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install >> > disks from >> > the hardware vendor. >> > >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I >> > am having >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or >> > fdisk >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on >> > this >> > site, hopefully? >> > >> > Thank you. >> > >> > Jean-Pierre >> >
Guest Big_Al Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind dareys wrote: > Mick, > > Thank you for the response. Yes, I just received the original manufacturer > installation disks. However, the re-installation process does not allow me to > partition or format anything. It just does it. I might just have to try again. > > Jean-Pierre > > P.S. You are right about the process. I have been through it a number of > times this > year. > > "Mick Murphy" wrote: > >> Is it the proper XP disk, or the manufacturer's disk, with an image? >> If Proper Microsoft XP disk, you delete existing partition, make a new >> partirion, format it, and install XP, all from the XP disk. >> -- >> Mad Mike >> >> >> "dareys" wrote: >> >>> Greetings, >>> >>> I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition >>> (SP2) on my machine. >>> >>> At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times >>> with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks from >>> the hardware vendor. >>> >>> So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am having >>> a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk >>> commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this >>> site, hopefully? >>> >>> Thank you. >>> >>> Jean-Pierre >>> You could ask the manufacturer, but it sounds like you are re-applying an image (restore to factory defaults) and not installing XP as you want to. Its not wrong, but its not an 'install'. I had an Acer years ago and found that all it did was some prepwork and then pkunzipped a file to the HD. That was their restore. And yes, you booted and it asked a simple question and bingo, it ran and that was it. Maybe a please wait screen. And that's not XP. XP asks a number of questions and very boldly tells you that you are loading XP and shows Windows logos with acceptance messages etc.
Guest dareys Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Daave, Thank you for the speedy and thorough response, which was extremely helpful. I had forgotten that there is only one disk in the XP install, something I just used several times in the last six months, but on a different machine. I was not sure things would apply this time since I am working on different hardware. I am also aware of repair installs and parallel installs both of which I have also performed, sometimes inadvertently, on other machines. As far as booting, I did configure the BIOS correctly. Thank you for the reminder. In any case, the disks that I have are an image of what was on the computer the time it was purchased. So, no it does not look like I have the base Windows XP CD that would be required for a fresh installation. I have just copied the manufacturer with your response to see if perhaps they can send me that in a zip file, but I think that is a tall order. As far as repairs, I am done with that. This machine seems to be compromised. Sound drivers disappear at will for example, and I have re-installed them over half a dozen times. I really want to reformat and start from scratch. Data is not the problem. I have backups of that. I need a stable system. I have spent more time fixing equipment than using it for what I need it. In any case, if you really think I should post the manufacturer and model, let me know. Many thanks for your help. Regards, Jean-Pierre "Daave" wrote: > Something doesn't seem right. > > By definition, when you perform a clean install of XP, you are > formatting your drive. Perhaps you are performing a repair install? Or > inadvertently a parallel install? > > Please describe these "original manufacturer installation disks." If you > are installing XP Home, there is only *one* installation CD! What is the > make and model of your PC? Perhaps these other disks contain > installation files for programs as well as hardware device drivers. Once > you post with complete information, people here will be better able to > assist you. > > If you have a Windows XP *installation* CD -- this is not the same thing > as what Mick was describing (i.e., a "recovery" or "restore" disk, which > contains an image of the hard drive the way it initially was when it > first left the factory) -- you should be able to perform a clean > install. Use the directions here: > > http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html > > And if this is what you have been doing, please let us know at which > step you run into the problem. My guess is that you are booting off the > hard drive rather than the CD-ROM drive. But you need to tell us! If my > guess is correct, all you need to do is enter the BIOS to configure your > PC to boot off the CD-ROM drive. The method to enter the BIOS depends on > your motherboard. See: > > http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm > > Keep in mind that a clean install deletes *everything* -- all your data, > settings, and programs. You will need to back up all your data and > settings first. You will need to have all your program installation > files and drivers for your hardware. Clean installations, although > effective, can be time-consuming. They are generally not recommended for > addressing problems (unless your system has been severely compromised). > It's usually better to deal with the problem at hand. If you would > prefer to do that, this newsgroup is a good place start. Another option > is to perform a repair install, which repairs your Windows installation > without deleting your files, settings, and programs. > > > "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:CE3F62B9-CDA2-4439-B7EE-2D1863EAD9A8@microsoft.com... > > Mick, > > > > Thank you for the response. Yes, I just received the original > > manufacturer > > installation disks. However, the re-installation process does not > > allow me to > > partition or format anything. It just does it. I might just have to > > try again. > > > > Jean-Pierre > > > > P.S. You are right about the process. I have been through it a number > > of > > times this > > year. > > > > "Mick Murphy" wrote: > > > >> Is it the proper XP disk, or the manufacturer's disk, with an image? > >> If Proper Microsoft XP disk, you delete existing partition, make a > >> new > >> partirion, format it, and install XP, all from the XP disk. > >> -- > >> Mad Mike > >> > >> > >> "dareys" wrote: > >> > >> > Greetings, > >> > > >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home > >> > Edition > >> > (SP2) on my machine. > >> > > >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a > >> > dozen times > >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install > >> > disks from > >> > the hardware vendor. > >> > > >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I > >> > am having > >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or > >> > fdisk > >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on > >> > this > >> > site, hopefully? > >> > > >> > Thank you. > >> > > >> > Jean-Pierre > >> > > > >
Guest dareys Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Big_Al, Thank you for the response. You are right. That is exactly what is happening. No, not wrong, but not what I am trying to do. Please see my response to Daave for more detail. Regards, Jean-Pierre "Big_Al" wrote: > dareys wrote: > > Mick, > > > > Thank you for the response. Yes, I just received the original manufacturer > > installation disks. However, the re-installation process does not allow me to > > partition or format anything. It just does it. I might just have to try again. > > > > Jean-Pierre > > > > P.S. You are right about the process. I have been through it a number of > > times this > > year. > > > > "Mick Murphy" wrote: > > > >> Is it the proper XP disk, or the manufacturer's disk, with an image? > >> If Proper Microsoft XP disk, you delete existing partition, make a new > >> partirion, format it, and install XP, all from the XP disk. > >> -- > >> Mad Mike > >> > >> > >> "dareys" wrote: > >> > >>> Greetings, > >>> > >>> I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition > >>> (SP2) on my machine. > >>> > >>> At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times > >>> with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks from > >>> the hardware vendor. > >>> > >>> So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am having > >>> a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > >>> commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this > >>> site, hopefully? > >>> > >>> Thank you. > >>> > >>> Jean-Pierre > >>> > You could ask the manufacturer, but it sounds like you are re-applying > an image (restore to factory defaults) and not installing XP as you want > to. Its not wrong, but its not an 'install'. I had an Acer years ago > and found that all it did was some prepwork and then pkunzipped a file > to the HD. That was their restore. And yes, you booted and it asked > a simple question and bingo, it ran and that was it. Maybe a please > wait screen. And that's not XP. XP asks a number of questions and > very boldly tells you that you are loading XP and shows Windows logos > with acceptance messages etc. >
Guest Bruce Chambers Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Windows dareys wrote: > Greetings, > > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition > (SP2) on my machine. > > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks from > the hardware vendor. > Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this unidentified "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of the OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is something else wrong; most likely defective hardware. Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can get to the root cause of your problems? > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am having > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this > site, hopefully? > FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or needed in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions. Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) HOW TO Install Windows XP http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941 http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm -- Bruce Chambers Help us help you: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. ~ Denis Diderot
Guest dareys Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Bruce, Thank you for the response. I have re-installed the OS several times, but it has not been a "fresh" install, including a reformat. Rather, like Daave suggests, it has been a repair install, without a reformat. The suspect behaviour, among other things, boils down to this. In spite of complete hardware diagnostics which have come clean, the sound drivers periodically disappear. The speakers, headset etc are ok. Just the drivers get "corrupted". I have re-installed them half a dozen times, only to see them disappear... At this point I want a fresh copy of BIOS, and a fresh version of the OS and drivers for my specific hardware just to see if that works. When I have done that, if the same behaviour persists, then I will have to assume the problem is with the sound card. BTW, I have configured the BIOS to boot from CD, but the CDs that I have are image CDs not Windows XP install disks. Regards, Jean-Pierre "Bruce Chambers" wrote: > dareys wrote: > > Greetings, > > > > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition > > (SP2) on my machine. > > > > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times > > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks from > > the hardware vendor. > > > > > Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this unidentified > "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of the > OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is > something else wrong; most likely defective hardware. > > Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can get > to the root cause of your problems? > > > > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am having > > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this > > site, hopefully? > > > > > FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or needed > in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have > the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions. > > Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the > opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the > installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot > devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) > > HOW TO Install Windows XP > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941 > > http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html > > http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm > > > > -- > > Bruce Chambers > > Help us help you: > http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html > > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 > > They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary > safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin > > Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell > > The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has > killed a great many philosophers. > ~ Denis Diderot >
Guest Xandros Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Have you downloaded the most current drivers for your sound card? That has got to be a lot safer than flashing the BIOS - which will not help the issue you are seeing and reinstalling the OS - which will not help the problem you are seeing. Following that try another sound card. If you've already run diagnostics then there should be no reason to do a low-level format. Perhaps you don't really know what a low-level format is? Modern hard drives do not require low-level formatting. You can do it but essentially it would be a waste of time. Doing so will require a tool from your hard drive manufacturer If you feel you must reinstall your OS again then why not do a clean install by deleting your existing partitions, reformat and do a fresh install. You say you don't have a retail version of XP so you don't have the Recovery Console but you should still be able to wipe the drive using this bootable CD that contains the XP Recovery Console http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tools/bootdiscs/xp_rec_con.zip All you have to do is boot the CD, access the Recovery Console, type DISKPART at the command prompt, delete the partition, type EXIT when it is finished, remove the CD and pop in your image restore CD then hit the Enter key. -- Xandros "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:1A3FC83C-8DDA-4280-93E0-4A930CAE081D@microsoft.com... > Bruce, > > Thank you for the response. > > I have re-installed the OS several times, but it has not been a "fresh" > install, including a reformat. Rather, like Daave suggests, it has been a > repair install, without a reformat. > > The suspect behaviour, among other things, boils down to this. In spite of > complete hardware diagnostics which have come clean, the sound drivers > periodically disappear. The speakers, headset etc are ok. Just the drivers > get "corrupted". > > I have re-installed them half a dozen times, only to see them disappear... > > At this point I want a fresh copy of BIOS, and a fresh version of the OS > and > drivers for my specific hardware just to see if that works. When I have > done > that, if the same behaviour persists, then I will have to assume the > problem > is with the sound card. > > BTW, I have configured the BIOS to boot from CD, but the CDs that I have > are > image CDs not Windows XP install disks. > > Regards, > > Jean-Pierre > > > "Bruce Chambers" wrote: > >> dareys wrote: >> > Greetings, >> > >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home >> > Edition >> > (SP2) on my machine. >> > >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen >> > times >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks >> > from >> > the hardware vendor. >> > >> >> >> Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this unidentified >> "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of the >> OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is >> something else wrong; most likely defective hardware. >> >> Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can get >> to the root cause of your problems? >> >> >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am >> > having >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on >> > this >> > site, hopefully? >> > >> >> >> FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or needed >> in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have >> the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions. >> >> Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the >> opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the >> installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot >> devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) >> >> HOW TO Install Windows XP >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941 >> >> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html >> >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm >> >> >> >> -- >> >> Bruce Chambers >> >> Help us help you: >> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 >> >> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary >> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin >> >> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand >> Russell >> >> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has >> killed a great many philosophers. >> ~ Denis Diderot >>
Guest dareys Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Xandros, I have been performing this kind of activity, on and off, since the early eighties, and frankly, I don't know everything, but I think I know what it is to partition, format and re-install AN OS. Anyway, I want a clean slate, and I want to configure things the way I want. Sorry about that, but hey, everyone knows what they like, and in my book, a reformat is a reformat, no matter what thinks are like these days. Remember, once a programmer, always a programmer. In any case, I thank you for the information. I hope it helps. Regards, Jean-Pierre "Xandros" wrote: > Have you downloaded the most current drivers for your sound card? That has > got to be a lot safer than flashing the BIOS - which will not help the issue > you are seeing and reinstalling the OS - which will not help the problem you > are seeing. Following that try another sound card. > > If you've already run diagnostics then there should be no reason to do a > low-level format. Perhaps you don't really know what a low-level format is? > Modern hard drives do not require low-level formatting. You can do it but > essentially it would be a waste of time. Doing so will require a tool from > your hard drive manufacturer > > If you feel you must reinstall your OS again then why not do a clean install > by deleting your existing partitions, reformat and do a fresh install. > > You say you don't have a retail version of XP so you don't have the Recovery > Console but you should still be able to wipe the drive using this bootable > CD that contains the XP Recovery Console > http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tools/bootdiscs/xp_rec_con.zip All you > have to do is boot the CD, access the Recovery Console, type DISKPART at the > command prompt, delete the partition, type EXIT when it is finished, remove > the CD and pop in your image restore CD then hit the Enter key. > -- > > Xandros > > > "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:1A3FC83C-8DDA-4280-93E0-4A930CAE081D@microsoft.com... > > Bruce, > > > > Thank you for the response. > > > > I have re-installed the OS several times, but it has not been a "fresh" > > install, including a reformat. Rather, like Daave suggests, it has been a > > repair install, without a reformat. > > > > The suspect behaviour, among other things, boils down to this. In spite of > > complete hardware diagnostics which have come clean, the sound drivers > > periodically disappear. The speakers, headset etc are ok. Just the drivers > > get "corrupted". > > > > I have re-installed them half a dozen times, only to see them disappear... > > > > At this point I want a fresh copy of BIOS, and a fresh version of the OS > > and > > drivers for my specific hardware just to see if that works. When I have > > done > > that, if the same behaviour persists, then I will have to assume the > > problem > > is with the sound card. > > > > BTW, I have configured the BIOS to boot from CD, but the CDs that I have > > are > > image CDs not Windows XP install disks. > > > > Regards, > > > > Jean-Pierre > > > > > > "Bruce Chambers" wrote: > > > >> dareys wrote: > >> > Greetings, > >> > > >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home > >> > Edition > >> > (SP2) on my machine. > >> > > >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen > >> > times > >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks > >> > from > >> > the hardware vendor. > >> > > >> > >> > >> Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this unidentified > >> "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of the > >> OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is > >> something else wrong; most likely defective hardware. > >> > >> Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can get > >> to the root cause of your problems? > >> > >> > >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am > >> > having > >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on > >> > this > >> > site, hopefully? > >> > > >> > >> > >> FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or needed > >> in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have > >> the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions. > >> > >> Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the > >> opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the > >> installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot > >> devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) > >> > >> HOW TO Install Windows XP > >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941 > >> > >> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html > >> > >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm > >> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> > >> Bruce Chambers > >> > >> Help us help you: > >> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html > >> > >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 > >> > >> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary > >> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin > >> > >> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand > >> Russell > >> > >> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has > >> killed a great many philosophers. > >> ~ Denis Diderot > >> > > > >
Guest Lil' Dave Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Windows Unless you have a native onboard scsi or scsi card that said hard drive is connected to, and, bios capable of low-level formatting by the scsi bios, refrain from doing so on any other hard drive connection type for low-level formatting. Fdisk.exe and format.com are msdos operating system files. They are not of any connection with low-level formatting. If you want help, describe your problem. -- Dave "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:31A5D43A-FC0D-4BB9-B88C-D5A45B57B0B9@microsoft.com... > Greetings, > > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition > (SP2) on my machine. > > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks > from > the hardware vendor. > > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am > having > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this > site, hopefully? > > Thank you. > > Jean-Pierre >
Guest Daave Posted October 13, 2008 Posted October 13, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Last try! In case something is being filtered, please look here: http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/41e7069402445a7a?hl=en "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:115BE0DA-4A8D-47C2-8F0D-401699F15B1D@microsoft.com... > Daave, > > Thank you for the speedy and thorough response, which was extremely > helpful. > > I had forgotten that there is only one disk in the XP install, > something I > just used several times in the last six months, but on a different > machine. I > was not sure things would apply this time since I am working on > different > hardware. > > I am also aware of repair installs and parallel installs both of which > I > have also performed, sometimes inadvertently, on other machines. As > far as > booting, I did configure the BIOS correctly. Thank you for the > reminder. > > In any case, the disks that I have are an image of what was on the > computer > the time it was purchased. So, no it does not look like I have the > base > Windows XP CD that would be required for a fresh installation. > > I have just copied the manufacturer with your response to see if > perhaps > they can send me that in a zip file, but I think that is a tall order. > > As far as repairs, I am done with that. This machine seems to be > compromised. Sound drivers disappear at will for example, and I have > re-installed them over half a dozen times. I really want to reformat > and > start from scratch. > > Data is not the problem. I have backups of that. I need a stable > system. I > have spent more time fixing equipment than using it for what I need > it. In > any case, if you really think I should post the manufacturer and > model, let > me know. > > Many thanks for your help. > > Regards, > > Jean-Pierre
Guest Xandros Posted October 13, 2008 Posted October 13, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Whatever. My advice is sound. Take it or leave it. There is essentially no advantage to doing a low level format on a modern drive. If all you want to do is a reformat then use the tool I sent the link to but be aware that a low level format is a much different thing than a simple format. -- Xandros "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:3BA15068-8089-4087-8061-F5DE1A407761@microsoft.com... > Xandros, > > I have been performing this kind of activity, on and off, since the early > eighties, and frankly, I don't know everything, but I think I know what it > is > to partition, format and re-install AN OS. > > Anyway, I want a clean slate, and I want to configure things the way I > want. > Sorry about that, but hey, everyone knows what they like, and in my book, > a > reformat is a reformat, no matter what thinks are like these days. > > Remember, once a programmer, always a programmer. > > In any case, I thank you for the information. I hope it helps. > > Regards, > > Jean-Pierre > > > > > "Xandros" wrote: > >> Have you downloaded the most current drivers for your sound card? That >> has >> got to be a lot safer than flashing the BIOS - which will not help the >> issue >> you are seeing and reinstalling the OS - which will not help the problem >> you >> are seeing. Following that try another sound card. >> >> If you've already run diagnostics then there should be no reason to do a >> low-level format. Perhaps you don't really know what a low-level format >> is? >> Modern hard drives do not require low-level formatting. You can do it but >> essentially it would be a waste of time. Doing so will require a tool >> from >> your hard drive manufacturer >> >> If you feel you must reinstall your OS again then why not do a clean >> install >> by deleting your existing partitions, reformat and do a fresh install. >> >> You say you don't have a retail version of XP so you don't have the >> Recovery >> Console but you should still be able to wipe the drive using this >> bootable >> CD that contains the XP Recovery Console >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tools/bootdiscs/xp_rec_con.zip All >> you >> have to do is boot the CD, access the Recovery Console, type DISKPART at >> the >> command prompt, delete the partition, type EXIT when it is finished, >> remove >> the CD and pop in your image restore CD then hit the Enter key. >> -- >> >> Xandros >> >> >> "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:1A3FC83C-8DDA-4280-93E0-4A930CAE081D@microsoft.com... >> > Bruce, >> > >> > Thank you for the response. >> > >> > I have re-installed the OS several times, but it has not been a "fresh" >> > install, including a reformat. Rather, like Daave suggests, it has been >> > a >> > repair install, without a reformat. >> > >> > The suspect behaviour, among other things, boils down to this. In spite >> > of >> > complete hardware diagnostics which have come clean, the sound drivers >> > periodically disappear. The speakers, headset etc are ok. Just the >> > drivers >> > get "corrupted". >> > >> > I have re-installed them half a dozen times, only to see them >> > disappear... >> > >> > At this point I want a fresh copy of BIOS, and a fresh version of the >> > OS >> > and >> > drivers for my specific hardware just to see if that works. When I have >> > done >> > that, if the same behaviour persists, then I will have to assume the >> > problem >> > is with the sound card. >> > >> > BTW, I have configured the BIOS to boot from CD, but the CDs that I >> > have >> > are >> > image CDs not Windows XP install disks. >> > >> > Regards, >> > >> > Jean-Pierre >> > >> > >> > "Bruce Chambers" wrote: >> > >> >> dareys wrote: >> >> > Greetings, >> >> > >> >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home >> >> > Edition >> >> > (SP2) on my machine. >> >> > >> >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen >> >> > times >> >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install >> >> > disks >> >> > from >> >> > the hardware vendor. >> >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this >> >> unidentified >> >> "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of >> >> the >> >> OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is >> >> something else wrong; most likely defective hardware. >> >> >> >> Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can >> >> get >> >> to the root cause of your problems? >> >> >> >> >> >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am >> >> > having >> >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk >> >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on >> >> > this >> >> > site, hopefully? >> >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or >> >> needed >> >> in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have >> >> the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions. >> >> >> >> Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered >> >> the >> >> opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the >> >> installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot >> >> devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) >> >> >> >> HOW TO Install Windows XP >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941 >> >> >> >> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html >> >> >> >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> >> >> Bruce Chambers >> >> >> >> Help us help you: >> >> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html >> >> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 >> >> >> >> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary >> >> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin >> >> >> >> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand >> >> Russell >> >> >> >> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has >> >> killed a great many philosophers. >> >> ~ Denis Diderot >> >> >> >> >> >>
Guest Ken Blake, MVP Posted October 13, 2008 Posted October 13, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:34:35 -0600, "Xandros" <arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com> wrote: > Whatever. My advice is sound. Take it or leave it. There is essentially no > advantage to doing a low level format on a modern drive. If all you want to > do is a reformat then use the tool I sent the link to but be aware that a > low level format is a much different thing than a simple format. Although I basically agree with your paragraph above, let me add the following: Low-level formatting was a technique that used to be used (many years ago) on hard drives. It is no longer used, and if someone finds an old low-level format program and uses it on a modern drive, it will ruin the drive. There are modern programs that do disk reinitialization and can be used. Unfortunately these are often erroneously called "low-level format" programs. My view is that giving them that old name is very poor practice, and leads to the possibility that someone may mistakenly find and use an old low-level format program and ruin a modern drive with it. -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Patrick Keenan Posted October 13, 2008 Posted October 13, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:1A3FC83C-8DDA-4280-93E0-4A930CAE081D@microsoft.com... > Bruce, > > Thank you for the response. > > I have re-installed the OS several times, but it has not been a "fresh" > install, including a reformat. Rather, like Daave suggests, it has been a > repair install, without a reformat. > > The suspect behaviour, among other things, boils down to this. In spite of > complete hardware diagnostics which have come clean, the sound drivers > periodically disappear. The speakers, headset etc are ok. Just the drivers > get "corrupted". > > I have re-installed them half a dozen times, only to see them disappear... > > At this point I want a fresh copy of BIOS, and a fresh version of the OS > and > drivers for my specific hardware just to see if that works. When I have > done > that, if the same behaviour persists, then I will have to assume the > problem > is with the sound card. > > BTW, I have configured the BIOS to boot from CD, but the CDs that I have > are > image CDs not Windows XP install disks. > > Regards, > > Jean-Pierre Well, it seems that someone else just posted exactly this same problem and how she fixed it. Look for a post called "Audio driver keeps disappearing", followed by three titled "FIXED", two of which contain this text: "Got the patch number from the folks at annoyances.org So its fixed. (And it was a Windows update that caused reaktek to not work)" "The update that caused the issue was KB925902. The Patch that fixed it was KB935448. Again it was a realtek audio driver that it works for. Thanks! Nancy" HTH -pk > > > "Bruce Chambers" wrote: > >> dareys wrote: >> > Greetings, >> > >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home >> > Edition >> > (SP2) on my machine. >> > >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen >> > times >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks >> > from >> > the hardware vendor. >> > >> >> >> Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this unidentified >> "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of the >> OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is >> something else wrong; most likely defective hardware. >> >> Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can get >> to the root cause of your problems? >> >> >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am >> > having >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on >> > this >> > site, hopefully? >> > >> >> >> FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or needed >> in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have >> the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions. >> >> Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the >> opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the >> installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot >> devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) >> >> HOW TO Install Windows XP >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941 >> >> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html >> >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm >> >> >> >> -- >> >> Bruce Chambers >> >> Help us help you: >> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 >> >> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary >> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin >> >> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand >> Russell >> >> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has >> killed a great many philosophers. >> ~ Denis Diderot >>
Guest Xandros Posted October 13, 2008 Posted October 13, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message news:s4p6f4t3im32th8q4stu77n07uhbrhknf0@4ax.com... > On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:34:35 -0600, "Xandros" > <arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Whatever. My advice is sound. Take it or leave it. There is essentially >> no >> advantage to doing a low level format on a modern drive. If all you want >> to >> do is a reformat then use the tool I sent the link to but be aware that a >> low level format is a much different thing than a simple format. > > > Although I basically agree with your paragraph above, let me add the > following: > > Low-level formatting was a technique that used to be used (many years > ago) on hard drives. It is no longer used, and if someone finds an old > low-level format program and uses it on a modern drive, it will ruin > the drive. There are modern programs that do disk reinitialization and > can be used. Unfortunately these are often erroneously called > "low-level format" programs. My view is that giving them that old name > is very poor practice, and leads to the possibility that someone may > mistakenly find and use an old low-level format program and ruin a > modern drive with it. > > -- > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > Please Reply to the Newsgroup Thanks Ken. I didn't realize that doing a low level format on a newer drive could damage it so that's helpful to keep in mind. -- Xandros
Guest Ken Blake, MVP Posted October 13, 2008 Posted October 13, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind On Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:33:05 -0600, "Xandros" <arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com> wrote: > "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message > news:s4p6f4t3im32th8q4stu77n07uhbrhknf0@4ax.com... > > On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:34:35 -0600, "Xandros" > > <arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com> wrote: > > > >> Whatever. My advice is sound. Take it or leave it. There is essentially > >> no > >> advantage to doing a low level format on a modern drive. If all you want > >> to > >> do is a reformat then use the tool I sent the link to but be aware that a > >> low level format is a much different thing than a simple format. > > > > > > Although I basically agree with your paragraph above, let me add the > > following: > > > > Low-level formatting was a technique that used to be used (many years > > ago) on hard drives. It is no longer used, and if someone finds an old > > low-level format program and uses it on a modern drive, it will ruin > > the drive. There are modern programs that do disk reinitialization and > > can be used. Unfortunately these are often erroneously called > > "low-level format" programs. My view is that giving them that old name > > is very poor practice, and leads to the possibility that someone may > > mistakenly find and use an old low-level format program and ruin a > > modern drive with it. > > > > -- > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup > > Thanks Ken. I didn't realize that doing a low level format on a newer drive > could damage it so that's helpful to keep in mind. You're welcome. Glad to help. My main point though, is not just that it will damage the drive, but that the terminology is mixed up and confuses people. Although some people really mean "low-level format" when they use the term, others mean disk reinitialization and that confusion of terminology greatly increases the risk of disk damage. -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest dareys Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Pegasus, Well, whatever I downloaded did not have it... Perhaps I should try again. Thank you. Jean-Pierre "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:EB1E230E-A9F3-4028-9CFF-EFD99FCEE950@microsoft.com... > > Pegasus, > > > > Thank you for the site information. The vendor themselves pointed me to > > it > > because apparently the commands are no longer supported. In any case, I > > downloaded a couple of patches and they don't include fdisk or format. > > The standard Win98 boot disk/CD from http://www.bootdisk.com ***does*** include > fdisk and format. > > > >
Guest dareys Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Daave, Yes, stuff was beeing filtered. I followed the link and read your message. Thank you. I am aware of the driver issue if I install bare bones from install disks geared for other computers, but I have nothing to loose, and I can track all of this down and or re-install from the current disks once I have reformated. Thank you for the site on building the PC from scratch. I might have to use it. In any case, I am continuing the troubleshooting. Right now, I think it is a software problem. Jean-Pierre "Daave" wrote: > Last try! > > In case something is being filtered, please look here: > > http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/41e7069402445a7a?hl=en > > > "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:115BE0DA-4A8D-47C2-8F0D-401699F15B1D@microsoft.com... > > Daave, > > > > Thank you for the speedy and thorough response, which was extremely > > helpful. > > > > I had forgotten that there is only one disk in the XP install, > > something I > > just used several times in the last six months, but on a different > > machine. I > > was not sure things would apply this time since I am working on > > different > > hardware. > > > > I am also aware of repair installs and parallel installs both of which > > I > > have also performed, sometimes inadvertently, on other machines. As > > far as > > booting, I did configure the BIOS correctly. Thank you for the > > reminder. > > > > In any case, the disks that I have are an image of what was on the > > computer > > the time it was purchased. So, no it does not look like I have the > > base > > Windows XP CD that would be required for a fresh installation. > > > > I have just copied the manufacturer with your response to see if > > perhaps > > they can send me that in a zip file, but I think that is a tall order. > > > > As far as repairs, I am done with that. This machine seems to be > > compromised. Sound drivers disappear at will for example, and I have > > re-installed them over half a dozen times. I really want to reformat > > and > > start from scratch. > > > > Data is not the problem. I have backups of that. I need a stable > > system. I > > have spent more time fixing equipment than using it for what I need > > it. In > > any case, if you really think I should post the manufacturer and > > model, let > > me know. > > > > Many thanks for your help. > > > > Regards, > > > > Jean-Pierre > > >
Guest dareys Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind Xandros, Thought I had replied before, but it doesn't look like it. Thank you for the suggestions. Jean-Pierre "Xandros" wrote: > Have you downloaded the most current drivers for your sound card? That has > got to be a lot safer than flashing the BIOS - which will not help the issue > you are seeing and reinstalling the OS - which will not help the problem you > are seeing. Following that try another sound card. > > If you've already run diagnostics then there should be no reason to do a > low-level format. Perhaps you don't really know what a low-level format is? > Modern hard drives do not require low-level formatting. You can do it but > essentially it would be a waste of time. Doing so will require a tool from > your hard drive manufacturer > > If you feel you must reinstall your OS again then why not do a clean install > by deleting your existing partitions, reformat and do a fresh install. > > You say you don't have a retail version of XP so you don't have the Recovery > Console but you should still be able to wipe the drive using this bootable > CD that contains the XP Recovery Console > http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tools/bootdiscs/xp_rec_con.zip All you > have to do is boot the CD, access the Recovery Console, type DISKPART at the > command prompt, delete the partition, type EXIT when it is finished, remove > the CD and pop in your image restore CD then hit the Enter key. > -- > > Xandros > > > "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:1A3FC83C-8DDA-4280-93E0-4A930CAE081D@microsoft.com... > > Bruce, > > > > Thank you for the response. > > > > I have re-installed the OS several times, but it has not been a "fresh" > > install, including a reformat. Rather, like Daave suggests, it has been a > > repair install, without a reformat. > > > > The suspect behaviour, among other things, boils down to this. In spite of > > complete hardware diagnostics which have come clean, the sound drivers > > periodically disappear. The speakers, headset etc are ok. Just the drivers > > get "corrupted". > > > > I have re-installed them half a dozen times, only to see them disappear... > > > > At this point I want a fresh copy of BIOS, and a fresh version of the OS > > and > > drivers for my specific hardware just to see if that works. When I have > > done > > that, if the same behaviour persists, then I will have to assume the > > problem > > is with the sound card. > > > > BTW, I have configured the BIOS to boot from CD, but the CDs that I have > > are > > image CDs not Windows XP install disks. > > > > Regards, > > > > Jean-Pierre > > > > > > "Bruce Chambers" wrote: > > > >> dareys wrote: > >> > Greetings, > >> > > >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home > >> > Edition > >> > (SP2) on my machine. > >> > > >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen > >> > times > >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks > >> > from > >> > the hardware vendor. > >> > > >> > >> > >> Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this unidentified > >> "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of the > >> OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is > >> something else wrong; most likely defective hardware. > >> > >> Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can get > >> to the root cause of your problems? > >> > >> > >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am > >> > having > >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk > >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on > >> > this > >> > site, hopefully? > >> > > >> > >> > >> FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or needed > >> in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have > >> the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions. > >> > >> Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the > >> opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the > >> installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot > >> devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) > >> > >> HOW TO Install Windows XP > >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941 > >> > >> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html > >> > >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm > >> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> > >> Bruce Chambers > >> > >> Help us help you: > >> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html > >> > >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 > >> > >> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary > >> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin > >> > >> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand > >> Russell > >> > >> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has > >> killed a great many philosophers. > >> ~ Denis Diderot > >> > > > >
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