Cannot format my hard drive?

So ive been trying to format the hard drive on my laptop and im having some problems.
I created a new partition but it still says i cannot format because it contains my OS.

I have the cd and everything.

How can I put the OS on the new partition so i can format the drive?

somebodys gotta know

are you booting from the CD and trying to format the new partition or the entire HD?

throw your laptop against the wall and then try again

are you booting from the CD and trying to format the new partition or the entire HD?

I'm booting from CD and I'm trying to format the entire hard drive.

I've booted multiple times and everytime I go to format it says windows is in the drive so i cant format. So I made a new partition cause that's how it said to format it

seriously, you should hit up some forums for whoever makes your laptop, like Dell or Toshiba forums, etc. I dont see why it won't let you choose your partition. If you have the boot cd (which 99% of everyone losses so BRAVO for having it!) you shouldbe able to do what you like, so maybe theres a trick you can pick up on a more specialized forum thats focused on your brand/model of cpu

Try out G-Parted it's a livecd

Did you delete all the partitions first? Delete all the partitions, then create the new one, then attempt to format it.

Get windows 7

HD is protected...has a hidden partition....most laptops that did not come (some came with) recovery dick have a hidden recovery partition.

the BIOS is set to not allow it to be wiped out as a precaution. (noob protection)


check MFG site for info on removing hd protections....you can even unhide the partition and make a backup of it if needed.



!!!! had a thought...you could have a virus, haven't seen it in awhile but there are viruses that will not allow you to format their space...(microshaft os issue...) as someone said, use a linux livecd to boot and format if mfg info doesn't help.

Edited by cball, 18 May 2012 - 02:45 PM.

I just formated my Dell a few weeks ag0....here's what I did....I pressed f12 when the computer starts...then I change the start-up order to start with the Disc drive....with my OS disc in the drive, it will start up.....then you delete all the partitions, create a new one....then install the OS - mine is windows vista.....then install all the drivers from the disc that came with your computer....then do updates at microsoft....then instal virus/spyware protection

And you're done

I got it. I just did the same thing like 10 times and it finally worked