How do I remove W2K Pro? (1 Viewer)

[AllenD]

I've tried deleting partitions w/fdisk to reformat and start from scratch. I can only delete primary partition, not secondary where 2k resides in. I've had to do a clean install 2x now due to corrupt boot files w/W2K. Yeah I know I should have created rescue disks but what good is 2k when I have to use them over and over again in a span of a few weeks. Not only has the clean install taken time, but imagine the time I've spent updating everything else w/a 56k modem that tops off at a 36k connection! I've also tried formatting the drive but I get an error message saying the drive doesn't support format. I just want to go back to ME, then try XP next month. Thanks for being patient.

 

[Rob Gillespie]

What are you using to try and delete the partition(s) and what error message are you getting?

 

[AllanN]

use the 2k CD to go into the setup mode. delete the parititons you want, then exit the setup

 

[AllenD]

use the 2k CD to go into the setup mode. delete the parititons you want, then exit the setup

AH CRAP! I already returned it for a refund. I'll have to borrow a copy of W2K to do this, I guess.

Rob,

I was using an ME boot disk. But I guess my efforts are moot since I need the 2K disk...

 

[Rob Gillespie]

You shouldn't need the W2K disk. If you have FDISK you should be able to delete the partitions fine.

It could be that Windows 2000 installed itself using the NTFS file system on your second partition. To delete it from FDISK, you need to chose the option "Delete Non-Dos Partition" (or words to that effect).

 

[Colin Dunn]

Get a Linux boot disk with the Linux FDISK utility. That utility will delete any partition, including logical drives formatted NTFS. The Win9x/ME FDISK utility doesn't know how to deal with NTFS-formatted logical drives. The Linux boot disk is free, readily available, and 100% legal...

 

[Rob Gillespie]

The Win9x/ME FDISK utility doesn't know how to deal with NTFS-formatted logical drives

It knows enough to be able to delete an NTFS partition. I do this almost every day at work when applying automated builds to clients' machines.

 

[Patrick_S]

AH CRAP! I already returned it for a refund.

You can return Win2K for a refund? I thought MS didn't allow this. Oh well you learn something knew everyday.

 

[AllenD]

You can return Win2K for a refund? I thought MS didn't allow this.

That might be true. But Costco will take anything back with or without a receipt.