due to my problems with internet: https://www.fiatforum.com/computing/108086-website-found-waiting-reply.html i've decided just to format the laptop, there's nothing of importance on it that i haven't backed-up.

when i start the laptop from the XP CD and go through the set-up, i come to the partitions on the HD, when i try to delete the main partition it says that i cannot delete because there are temporary files on it needed to complete the installation.

never had this before on other Computers any ideas? thanks!

Sounds like your lappy has a hidden partition which is meant to be used with a restore disc.

I'd find a partition program and delete it that way or make a bootable cd with killdisk on it and wipe it that way.

Liam

Liam said:

Sounds like your lappy has a hidden partition which is meant to be used with a restore disc.

I'd find a partition program and delete it that way or make a bootable cd with killdisk on it and wipe it that way.

Liam

Click to expand...

thanks for that, sorry i missed your reply

still have the same problem, just tried to format it again just there, still brings up that error message.

i'll have a look now for killdisc, do you know of any partition programs i could try? haven't had my laptop for a while now

thanks again

killdisc worked a treat, new windows is installing as i type, thanks Liam! appreciate it!

No worries.

Liam

Were you trying to install from Windows?

Sounds like you started the rebuild from inside windows rather than putting the CD in and choosing boot from CD at system start.

Hellcat said:

Were you trying to install from Windows?

Sounds like you started the rebuild from inside windows rather than putting the CD in and choosing boot from CD at system start.

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no, booted it from CD, couldn't work it out myself either TBH, worked a few times on different computers.

I know your problem is solved but you shuoldn't have needed 3rd party software.

Did you delete the partition on the screen just before you attempted the Format?

Trancendental said:

I know your problem is solved but you shuoldn't have needed 3rd party software.

Did you delete the partition on the screen just before you attempted the Format?

Click to expand...

i know you're right, and yes, still don't know why