the truth is that i'm not made for linux. i can see that now.
i have two computers and both are running red hat (god know s what version). i want at least one computer (my laptop) to run XP. Laptop has no floppy drive so the startup diskette is out of question here.

my desktop pc has a floppy drive and I have tried on numerous times to install WinME, but with no go. it installs just fine, but I guess there is a linux partition that is getting in the way of Windows - so it's can't load. it always loads the linux.

i've formated and formated but the same stuff happens.

GRUB v.XXXXX loading
Error 12 etc etc etc...

my question is:
is there a partition program that will fit on a floppy, and possibly on a CD (something like a PartitionMagic) that will let me errase ALL partitions...wipe them clean?

I've already tried FDISK and it's not working for me.

Please, all I want is just one PC running XP...

Also, if I got a bootable XP CD, would that solve my problem or would it be to no avail?

Thanks a bunch.

*Goes off and weeps...*

A bootable XP CD would solve the problem. Put it in and during the install, where it asks you to select a partition to install on, delete them all. FDISK will do this too, it's not as hard as it looks just read whats on the screen thoroughly.

thanks for a quick reply.

i've read FDISK upside down. i think i'm gona dream about it tonight..but somehow instead of Windows Logo I get this "GRUB...." screen together with errors, and it stops there...I have to restart and try something else. its like it formats everything but that little space where this GRUB is installed...

I mean, FORMAT C should be FORMAT C...erase a whole HDD...but not in my case.

I have WinME recovery CDs also, and they do install ME, but somewhere on the HDD that is not accessible.

The boot manager is installed in the boot sector which is a reserved area (for booting) and not affected during a format process. Boot the system with the install CD and when you get a prompt enter fdisk /mbr. This will erase the boot sector. You should then be able to install providing you have formatted the whole drive. It is good practise to create at least 2 partitions on the drive and locate the os on one and put your personal files (my documents) onto the other partition. This way you will be able to preserve your own documents no matter which os you use. Particularly useful for MS os which normally requires frequent re-installation.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in <General> and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

so what youre saying is that i should FORMAT first and THEN run fdisk /mbr...or run fdisk /mbr and then format and install new system?

btw, thanks. you sparked some hope in me.

Shouldn't matter what order you do it in

>> "so what youre saying is that i should FORMAT first and THEN run fdisk /mbr...or run fdisk /mbr and then format and install new system? ..."

thats the details , its a non-issue ...


.

now this "FDISK /MBR"...when you run it, is there supposed to be options or menus?

when I run it, it just kind blinks and I get a new command prompt.

for ex:

C:/fdisk /mbr *blink*
C:/

That is normal as it has just wiped out the boot manager.

But how exactly are you going to install WinXP if you don't have the XP CD?

Even if you are using a network install, I don't see why you bother.

When you start the WinXP install, you can select the partition you want to delete and creat?

i ordered XP CD online. my stupidity cost me $200, but we learn from mistakes. besides, I needed a XP CD.