Try to format my hard drive with windows xp installed.

I went to cmd and on c:\ > I typed in format c: it came with the usual caveat. Continue the at I clicked on Y for Yes it came with the format cannot run because the format is used by another process. Format may run if this volume is dismounted first. All handles to this volume would then be invalid.
You want to force a disassembly on this Volume? y (y/n)
Cannot lock the drive. The volume is still in use.
How to unlock the drive or do I have to purchase software that erases my own hd.

On mon, 19 Sep 2010 19:27:56 + 0000, CurtisJG wrote:

I went to cmd and on c:\ > I typed in format c: it came with the usual caveat. Continue the at I clicked on Y for Yes it came with the format cannot run because the format is used by another process. Format may run if this volume is dismounted first. All handles to this volume would then be invalid.
You want to force a disassembly on this Volume? y (y/n)
Cannot lock the drive. The volume is still in use.
How to unlock the drive or do I have to purchase software that erases my own hd.

You cannot format the drive Windows is installed on to in
Windows. It's like sawing the branch of a tree, you are sitting
on.

What is your purpose here? You want to reinstall Windows properly?

If so, just boot from the Windows CD (any version) and follow the
guests for a clean install; the installation will begin by
formatting the drive.

Ken Blake (MS-MVP)

Tags: Windows

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