Format C: to replace Vista w/ XP

To replace Vista w/XP I need to format C:, correct? But Vista won't let
me format that partition (excuse me: that volume). What is the
procedure?


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put the XP CD in
start computer...boot off the XP CD
Install XP formatting the HD in the process..

Vista nor XP would let you format the HD its installed on when running the
OS...

peter

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"bob mathewson" <> wrote in message
news:...
>
> To replace Vista w/XP I need to format C:, correct? But Vista won't let
> me format that partition (excuse me: that volume). What is the
> procedure?
>
>
> --
> bob mathewson
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> bob mathewson's Profile:
> http://forums.techarena.in/members/bob-mathewson.htm
> View this thread: http://forums.techarena.in/vista-help/1026307.htm
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Hi,

Don't just format, remove and rebuild the system volume as part of setup.
Boot from the XP CD and at the point where you choose the installation
location, instead delete the existing system volume. Create a new one with
the resulting free space, then format (quick is fine) and proceed with
installation.

You can't format the existing volume while the system is loaded, it has to
be done while the hard drive is not in use. In addition, due to differences
in how NTFS is implemented in Vista as opposed to XP, it is best to delete
and rebuild the system volume.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

"bob mathewson" <> wrote in message
news:...
>
> To replace Vista w/XP I need to format C:, correct? But Vista won't let
> me format that partition (excuse me: that volume). What is the
> procedure?
>
>
> --
> bob mathewson
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> bob mathewson's Profile:
> http://forums.techarena.in/members/bob-mathewson.htm
> View this thread: http://forums.techarena.in/vista-help/1026307.htm
>
> http://forums.techarena.in
>

"Joe McElvenney" wrote:
> One piece of advice for anyone installing Vista on a new machine is to
> make sure that you decide on your partitions first off. I didn't and
> let the installation have the whole disk which meant that I couldn't
> shrink it (using the built-in utility) to allow a second one as some
> applications had put immovable files in the way. Fortunately I found
> an inexpensive piece of software that did it for me.

I used Gparted to shrink the Vista partition down from the right
(i.e. from the end). And Gparted is freely downloadable as an .iso
file to burn a live CD or as a .zip file to make a live USB stick.
See http://gparted.sourceforge.net/index.php .

*TimDaniels*

Thanks to all for the suggestions and quick responses. I should have
realized the need to boot from CD. One (and only one!) of the problems
at my age is the human memory blockages!


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You can do this from your XP installation CD
Just use your XP cd as if you were to install, and in your instal
options when you choose where to install there are options to forma
from there, I used this to format my drive before installing vista as m
harddrive wasnt recognised but worked fine in XP. So you can give tha
ago or GPARTED is also good as mentioned above

--
JamieThompson

Whether you intend to replace the Vista installation on your system or setup a
dual boot configuration, there are some major issues you should be made aware
of. The deal breaker in either case is if you can obtain Windows XP drivers for
a system designed for Vista. See issue item 1 below.

Here's my standard pitch that I post to those wanting to dual boot:

There are some major issues to overcome in order to dual boot with Vista and
WinXP (with OEM Vista preinstalled).

They are:
1) Obtaining WinXP System drivers for your system.
2) Finding a Dual boot setup procedure.
3) Loss of System Restore points in Vista when WinXP is installed.

For item 1, you'll need to do some research to see if this system is a good
candidate for WinXP. Whether trying a dual boot configuration or a clean install
of WinXP, you'll need to have all drivers, which may include SATA drivers, if
required. In many cases of newer systems, the hardware devices were developed
for Vista only and there are no WinXP device drivers available. During the early
transition period, some systems were sold with WinXP installed and the mfg
offered an upgrade to Vista when it was released. This type will/should have
WinXP drivers available.

For item 2, see the procedure in the following link.

How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first)
http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp

Note, you will need a Vista installation DVD or a recovery CD in order to repair
the Vista bootloader and then complete the dual boot section with the EasyBCD
utility.

For item 3, see this article for detailed info including some workarounds:

No restore points are available when you use Windows Vista or Windows Server
2008 in a dual-boot configuration together with an earlier Windows operating
system
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/926185

Good luck!

"bob mathewson" <> wrote in message
news:...
>
> Thanks to all for the suggestions and quick responses. I should have
> realized the need to boot from CD. One (and only one!) of the problems
> at my age is the human memory blockages!
>
>
> --
> bob mathewson
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> bob mathewson's Profile: http://forums.techarena.in/members/bob-mathewson.htm
> View this thread: http://forums.techarena.in/vista-help/1026307.htm
>
> http://forums.techarena.in
>