Unable To Delete C: Partition In Order to Re-Install XP
For multiple reasons I've finally decided it's time to absolutely terminate my C: Drive, wipe it clean, re-install XP and start fresh.
However, after spending the entire day backing up my files, collecting my Driver CD's and then reading up on how to format my C: Drive, it absolutely refuses to do it.
* I put in my Windows XP CD, and boot windows FROM that CD (AKA Windows Setup, not Windows XP Home Edition i.e.. Drive).
* I enter the option of a Windows INSTALL, not a Windows REPAIR.
* I come to the screen displaying the partitions and am shown my C: Drive, and an unpartitioned space of 8MB.
* I attempt to delete the C: Partition and it claims I cannot do so because the "Drive contains temporary files needed for the Windows Installation".
I've looked on so many sites all listing how you just delete the partitions, re-create them, wham bam it's all dandy, but none of them highlight what to do in cases where it whinges about there being temporary files in-place that dissalow deletion.
Any site that DOES give info about these claim you either need to:
*Create Boot Floppy Diskettes (I do not have floppy disks, so I'm going to be pretty against any solution regarding these - I've never used one in years, had no use for any in the past, and the PC did not come with Boot Diskettes - Just the CD).
*Go into DOS and try a format command there.
I'm tired and frustrated with this entire thing - I just want to nuke everything on the drive, re-install my Windows XP and dig into the imminent hours of work that entails after a fresh install (ie. Install all my drivers / software etc).
Can someone please suggest how I can work around this aggravating problem preferably without requiring more than my Boot CD?
Thanks.