Format problem

I wanted to format my old Sony computer so I put the boot disk in the A: drive and restarted, typed [b:a328c252aa]format c:[/b:a328c252aa] and it went through all it's computer jiberish with 2%-50%-100% etc done and now it will not work.

I've tried to go into safe mode but it still goes into DOS like windows is not even on the computer. I've tried everything I can think of. I put the windows cd in and it says insert proper disk. I've insterted the old win95 disk that came with the computer and it says the same thing......

Does anyone know how I can get windows back up and working?

Thanks

[unicorn]

Did you have Windows installed at C:? Then you are right - there is no windows longer as you formatted the drive. After formatting C: is clean and virgin. If you have windows at another partition of your HDD you may be able to repair the computers "startup/load windows" -environment.

Yes it was at C:....... how can I get Windows back on? It doesn't recognize any CD... I've tried the Win95 cd, and WinME upgrade and nothing comes up. Anyway to get it back on?

There is no partition either.

[stumuzz]

Hi CoolRanch,
no insult intended before i start.

Have you got the right startup disk, some of the older startup disks don't install the drivers for your Cd drive , try putting any disk in after booting off the floopy and type d: if d is your cd letter, press enter , type dir and press enter. if it comes up with an error, you have not got your Cd drive set up. if thats the case you need to get/borrow a startup disk.
Stumuzz.

[just_do_IT]

You have a drive c with no partition....

boot with a windows 98 boot disk.

fdisk and ensure you indeed do not have a partition. If you dont, create a primary dos partition.

Reboot once this is done...format again.

Restart the computer with the 98 boot disk in, and the os cd that you want to install - choose start computer with cdrom support.....

run x:/setup and awayyyyy you should go!! (if d:/ does not work try E:/)

If this does not work, we would need to know more about this computer, how old, processor speed etc....and btw ....did it come with a cd?

there are many things that could be your problem. Is your boot disk equipped with real mode cd-rom drivers? did you Partition the disk? Do you have an OEM version or an upgrade? need more info....maybe a tutorial would help: [link]http://home.ptd.net/~don5408/win98/install/clean.html[/link]

hope this helps


Zo

[stumuzz]

Thanks trminatr,
forgot about the ramdrive, been a while since a format. WinXp must be good.!!!
stumuzz.

Ok I'll try some of these tips.

It's a Sony VAIO with a 266mhz PII processor. It came with windows 95 and I eventually upgraded to WinME and now that I formatted I would like to put Win98SE on it.

Where can I get a boot disk with a cd rom driver or one that supports the cd?

Sorry for the questions, but I don't know much about formatting sicne this is only my second time.... I didn't have any problem with doing WinXP Pro on my good computer.

Thanks

[unicorn]

I'm sure you'll find something at h**p://www.bootdisk.com/

[just_do_IT]

CoolRanch

If you need any help, PM me or contact me on messenger or icq.

As I just got an 800+ in my A+ today (wooooooooooot) I hope I can help you out