Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Windows

[Xandros]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

"Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
news:s4p6f4t3im32th8q4stu77n07uhbrhknf0@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:34:35 -0600, "Xandros"
> <arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Whatever. My advice is sound. Take it or leave it. There is essentially
>> no
>> advantage to doing a low level format on a modern drive. If all you want
>> to
>> do is a reformat then use the tool I sent the link to but be aware that a
>> low level format is a much different thing than a simple format.
>
>
> Although I basically agree with your paragraph above, let me add the
> following:
>
> Low-level formatting was a technique that used to be used (many years
> ago) on hard drives. It is no longer used, and if someone finds an old
> low-level format program and uses it on a modern drive, it will ruin
> the drive. There are modern programs that do disk reinitialization and
> can be used. Unfortunately these are often erroneously called
> "low-level format" programs. My view is that giving them that old name
> is very poor practice, and leads to the possibility that someone may
> mistakenly find and use an old low-level format program and ruin a
> modern drive with it.
>
> --
> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

Thanks Ken. I didn't realize that doing a low level format on a newer drive
could damage it so that's helpful to keep in mind.


--

Xandros

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

On Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:33:05 -0600, "Xandros"
<arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com> wrote:

> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
> news:s4p6f4t3im32th8q4stu77n07uhbrhknf0@4ax.com...
> > On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:34:35 -0600, "Xandros"
> > <arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >> Whatever. My advice is sound. Take it or leave it. There is essentially
> >> no
> >> advantage to doing a low level format on a modern drive. If all you want
> >> to
> >> do is a reformat then use the tool I sent the link to but be aware that a
> >> low level format is a much different thing than a simple format.
> >
> >
> > Although I basically agree with your paragraph above, let me add the
> > following:
> >
> > Low-level formatting was a technique that used to be used (many years
> > ago) on hard drives. It is no longer used, and if someone finds an old
> > low-level format program and uses it on a modern drive, it will ruin
> > the drive. There are modern programs that do disk reinitialization and
> > can be used. Unfortunately these are often erroneously called
> > "low-level format" programs. My view is that giving them that old name
> > is very poor practice, and leads to the possibility that someone may
> > mistakenly find and use an old low-level format program and ruin a
> > modern drive with it.
> >
> > --
> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
>
> Thanks Ken. I didn't realize that doing a low level format on a newer drive
> could damage it so that's helpful to keep in mind.


You're welcome. Glad to help. My main point though, is not just that
it will damage the drive, but that the terminology is mixed up and
confuses people. Although some people really mean "low-level format"
when they use the term, others mean disk reinitialization and that
confusion of terminology greatly increases the risk of disk damage.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Pegasus,

Well, whatever I downloaded did not have it... Perhaps I should try again.

Thank you.

Jean-Pierre


"Pegasus (MVP)" wrote:

> "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:EB1E230E-A9F3-4028-9CFF-EFD99FCEE950@microsoft.com...
> > Pegasus,
> >
> > Thank you for the site information. The vendor themselves pointed me to
> > it
> > because apparently the commands are no longer supported. In any case, I
> > downloaded a couple of patches and they don't include fdisk or format.
>
> The standard Win98 boot disk/CD from www.bootdisk.com ***does*** include
> fdisk and format.
>
>
>
>

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Daave,

Yes, stuff was beeing filtered. I followed the link and read your message.
Thank you.

I am aware of the driver issue if I install bare bones from install disks
geared for other computers, but I have nothing to loose, and I can track all
of this down and or re-install from the current disks once I have reformated.

Thank you for the site on building the PC from scratch. I might have to use
it.

In any case, I am continuing the troubleshooting. Right now, I think it is a
software problem.

Jean-Pierre

"Daave" wrote:

> Last try!
>
> In case something is being filtered, please look here:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/41e7069402445a7a?hl=en
>
>
> "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:115BE0DA-4A8D-47C2-8F0D-401699F15B1D@microsoft.com...
> > Daave,
> >
> > Thank you for the speedy and thorough response, which was extremely
> > helpful.
> >
> > I had forgotten that there is only one disk in the XP install,
> > something I
> > just used several times in the last six months, but on a different
> > machine. I
> > was not sure things would apply this time since I am working on
> > different
> > hardware.
> >
> > I am also aware of repair installs and parallel installs both of which
> > I
> > have also performed, sometimes inadvertently, on other machines. As
> > far as
> > booting, I did configure the BIOS correctly. Thank you for the
> > reminder.
> >
> > In any case, the disks that I have are an image of what was on the
> > computer
> > the time it was purchased. So, no it does not look like I have the
> > base
> > Windows XP CD that would be required for a fresh installation.
> >
> > I have just copied the manufacturer with your response to see if
> > perhaps
> > they can send me that in a zip file, but I think that is a tall order.
> >
> > As far as repairs, I am done with that. This machine seems to be
> > compromised. Sound drivers disappear at will for example, and I have
> > re-installed them over half a dozen times. I really want to reformat
> > and
> > start from scratch.
> >
> > Data is not the problem. I have backups of that. I need a stable
> > system. I
> > have spent more time fixing equipment than using it for what I need
> > it. In
> > any case, if you really think I should post the manufacturer and
> > model, let
> > me know.
> >
> > Many thanks for your help.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
>
>
>

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Xandros,

Thought I had replied before, but it doesn't look like it. Thank you for the
suggestions.

Jean-Pierre

"Xandros" wrote:

> Have you downloaded the most current drivers for your sound card? That has
> got to be a lot safer than flashing the BIOS - which will not help the issue
> you are seeing and reinstalling the OS - which will not help the problem you
> are seeing. Following that try another sound card.
>
> If you've already run diagnostics then there should be no reason to do a
> low-level format. Perhaps you don't really know what a low-level format is?
> Modern hard drives do not require low-level formatting. You can do it but
> essentially it would be a waste of time. Doing so will require a tool from
> your hard drive manufacturer
>
> If you feel you must reinstall your OS again then why not do a clean install
> by deleting your existing partitions, reformat and do a fresh install.
>
> You say you don't have a retail version of XP so you don't have the Recovery
> Console but you should still be able to wipe the drive using this bootable
> CD that contains the XP Recovery Console
> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tools/bootdiscs/xp_rec_con.zip All you
> have to do is boot the CD, access the Recovery Console, type DISKPART at the
> command prompt, delete the partition, type EXIT when it is finished, remove
> the CD and pop in your image restore CD then hit the Enter key.
> --
>
> Xandros
>
>
> "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:1A3FC83C-8DDA-4280-93E0-4A930CAE081D@microsoft.com...
> > Bruce,
> >
> > Thank you for the response.
> >
> > I have re-installed the OS several times, but it has not been a "fresh"
> > install, including a reformat. Rather, like Daave suggests, it has been a
> > repair install, without a reformat.
> >
> > The suspect behaviour, among other things, boils down to this. In spite of
> > complete hardware diagnostics which have come clean, the sound drivers
> > periodically disappear. The speakers, headset etc are ok. Just the drivers
> > get "corrupted".
> >
> > I have re-installed them half a dozen times, only to see them disappear...
> >
> > At this point I want a fresh copy of BIOS, and a fresh version of the OS
> > and
> > drivers for my specific hardware just to see if that works. When I have
> > done
> > that, if the same behaviour persists, then I will have to assume the
> > problem
> > is with the sound card.
> >
> > BTW, I have configured the BIOS to boot from CD, but the CDs that I have
> > are
> > image CDs not Windows XP install disks.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
> >
> >
> > "Bruce Chambers" wrote:
> >
> >> dareys wrote:
> >> > Greetings,
> >> >
> >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home
> >> > Edition
> >> > (SP2) on my machine.
> >> >
> >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen
> >> > times
> >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks
> >> > from
> >> > the hardware vendor.
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >> Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this unidentified
> >> "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of the
> >> OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is
> >> something else wrong; most likely defective hardware.
> >>
> >> Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can get
> >> to the root cause of your problems?
> >>
> >>
> >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am
> >> > having
> >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk
> >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on
> >> > this
> >> > site, hopefully?
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >> FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or needed
> >> in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have
> >> the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions.
> >>
> >> Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the
> >> opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the
> >> installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot
> >> devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)
> >>
> >> HOW TO Install Windows XP
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941
> >>
> >> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
> >>
> >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> Bruce Chambers
> >>
> >> Help us help you:
> >> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> >>
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
> >>
> >> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
> >> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
> >>
> >> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
> >> Russell
> >>
> >> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
> >> killed a great many philosophers.
> >> ~ Denis Diderot
> >>
>
>
>
>

 

[dareys]

RE: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

RE: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Mick,

Thank you for the response. No problems with the boot sequence from CD or
subsequent errors. Only disappearing drivers.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre

"Mick Murphy" wrote:

> If you have say an Acer computer, you get a set of 3 disks from the
> manufacturer. They are an image of the System, which you reinstall from them.
> You have no choice to do any work with them at all.
>
> The advice I was giving you is if you have the Microsoft XP disk.
>
> You are booting from the CD drive, and reinstalling from there?
> At Startup, go into Bios/Setup(F1, F2, or Delete Key), and set the CD/DVD
> Drive to be 1st in the Boot Order; insert disk, reboot, etc.
>
> If you are getting errors, post the error messages back here.
> --
> Mad Mike
>
>
> "dareys" wrote:
>
> > Mick,
> >
> > Thank you for the response. Yes, I just received the original manufacturer
> > installation disks. However, the re-installation process does not allow me to
> > partition or format anything. It just does it. I might just have to try again.
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
> >
> > P.S. You are right about the process. I have been through it a number of
> > times this
> > year.
> >
> > "Mick Murphy" wrote:
> >
> > > Is it the proper XP disk, or the manufacturer's disk, with an image?
> > > If Proper Microsoft XP disk, you delete existing partition, make a new
> > > partirion, format it, and install XP, all from the XP disk.
> > > --
> > > Mad Mike
> > >
> > >
> > > "dareys" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Greetings,
> > > >
> > > > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition
> > > > (SP2) on my machine.
> > > >
> > > > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times
> > > > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks from
> > > > the hardware vendor.
> > > >
> > > > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am having
> > > > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk
> > > > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this
> > > > site, hopefully?
> > > >
> > > > Thank you.
> > > >
> > > > Jean-Pierre
> > > >

 

[Daave]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

"dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:115BE0DA-4A8D-47C2-8F0D-401699F15B1D@microsoft.com...

> I had forgotten that there is only one disk in the XP install,
> something I
> just used several times in the last six months, but on a different
> machine. I
> was not sure things would apply this time since I am working on
> different
> hardware.

Have you tried that particular disk yet? You mentioned you had tried it
on a different machine. Keep in mind that there are different types of
installation disks, and certain disks will not by design work on certain
PCs. For instance, a branded OEM installation disk will only work on
that brand of PC -- and maybe just on certain models.

What is the make and model of your PC? What kind of installtion CD were
you describing in the above paragraph?

> I am also aware of repair installs and parallel installs both of which
> I
> have also performed, sometimes inadvertently, on other machines. As
> far as
> booting, I did configure the BIOS correctly. Thank you for the
> reminder.
>
> In any case, the disks that I have are an image of what was on the
> computer
> the time it was purchased. So, no it does not look like I have the
> base
> Windows XP CD that would be required for a fresh installation.

Is this image disk the same thing you were referring to in your first
paragraph? (I was confused!)

> As far as repairs, I am done with that. This machine seems to be
> compromised. Sound drivers disappear at will for example, and I have
> re-installed them over half a dozen times. I really want to reformat
> and
> start from scratch.

Are you able to identify the specific malware infections your PC
experienced? Or do you just *believe* it was infected because of your
sound card driver issue? I ask because it's possible your PC was never
compromised. Then again, the opposite is also possible.

> Data is not the problem. I have backups of that. I need a stable
> system. I
> have spent more time fixing equipment than using it for what I need
> it. In
> any case, if you really think I should post the manufacturer and
> model, let
> me know.

That's great that you back up your data.

Yes, by all means, let us know the make and model of your PC and the
type of license you have. (I assume it's an original branded OEM
license).

For what it's worth, using your image disk (i.e., recovery or restore
disk or whatever the manufacturer calls it) *will* result in a fresh
install -- just as fresh as if you borrowed someone's generic OEM
installation disk and performed a clean install (including a format).
(Okay, you might have obnoxious trial programs installed on top of the
fresh install, but's it's still a fresh install nonetheless, and the
system would be just as stable.) If you used your recovery disk to
return your PC to its out-of-the-factory state and you still have
problems, it means you definitely have a hardware issue. You can test
that hypothesis if you wish by trying any other method to lay down a
fresh install. I'm sure you will always wind up at the same ending.

My guess is you need to replace your sound card. Or perhaps there's just
an issue of configuring the BIOS properly to recognize the type of sound
card you have (onboard or PCI). So, I would try that first.

In addition to the newsgroup I mentioned in the other post, you may want
to bookmark this Web page:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Daave,

Let me try to clarify.

1. The install from factory disks that I was refferring too and that allowed
me
to partition and reformat the disk completely was on a completely
different
machine. And yes, it was from a single disk.

2. Now, I am re-installing from a factory image that install the OS, drivers
and
some software that came with the machine. However, it does not allow for
re-partitionning, nor reformating, and goes through a strange process that
saves and copies files. It is nice, but not what I want.

3. Finally, after re-installing as outlined in 2. above, the sound drivers
invariably
disappear. No corruption. They just vanish, as if they had been deleted.
The last time they stuck around for about three days.

Jean-Pierre





"Daave" wrote:

> "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:115BE0DA-4A8D-47C2-8F0D-401699F15B1D@microsoft.com...
>
> > I had forgotten that there is only one disk in the XP install,
> > something I
> > just used several times in the last six months, but on a different
> > machine. I
> > was not sure things would apply this time since I am working on
> > different
> > hardware.
>
> Have you tried that particular disk yet? You mentioned you had tried it
> on a different machine. Keep in mind that there are different types of
> installation disks, and certain disks will not by design work on certain
> PCs. For instance, a branded OEM installation disk will only work on
> that brand of PC -- and maybe just on certain models.
>
> What is the make and model of your PC? What kind of installtion CD were
> you describing in the above paragraph?
>
> > I am also aware of repair installs and parallel installs both of which
> > I
> > have also performed, sometimes inadvertently, on other machines. As
> > far as
> > booting, I did configure the BIOS correctly. Thank you for the
> > reminder.
> >
> > In any case, the disks that I have are an image of what was on the
> > computer
> > the time it was purchased. So, no it does not look like I have the
> > base
> > Windows XP CD that would be required for a fresh installation.
>
> Is this image disk the same thing you were referring to in your first
> paragraph? (I was confused!)
>
> > As far as repairs, I am done with that. This machine seems to be
> > compromised. Sound drivers disappear at will for example, and I have
> > re-installed them over half a dozen times. I really want to reformat
> > and
> > start from scratch.
>
> Are you able to identify the specific malware infections your PC
> experienced? Or do you just *believe* it was infected because of your
> sound card driver issue? I ask because it's possible your PC was never
> compromised. Then again, the opposite is also possible.
>
> > Data is not the problem. I have backups of that. I need a stable
> > system. I
> > have spent more time fixing equipment than using it for what I need
> > it. In
> > any case, if you really think I should post the manufacturer and
> > model, let
> > me know.
>
> That's great that you back up your data.
>
> Yes, by all means, let us know the make and model of your PC and the
> type of license you have. (I assume it's an original branded OEM
> license).
>
> For what it's worth, using your image disk (i.e., recovery or restore
> disk or whatever the manufacturer calls it) *will* result in a fresh
> install -- just as fresh as if you borrowed someone's generic OEM
> installation disk and performed a clean install (including a format).
> (Okay, you might have obnoxious trial programs installed on top of the
> fresh install, but's it's still a fresh install nonetheless, and the
> system would be just as stable.) If you used your recovery disk to
> return your PC to its out-of-the-factory state and you still have
> problems, it means you definitely have a hardware issue. You can test
> that hypothesis if you wish by trying any other method to lay down a
> fresh install. I'm sure you will always wind up at the same ending.
>
> My guess is you need to replace your sound card. Or perhaps there's just
> an issue of configuring the BIOS properly to recognize the type of sound
> card you have (onboard or PCI). So, I would try that first.
>
> In addition to the newsgroup I mentioned in the other post, you may want
> to bookmark this Web page:
>
> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot
>
>
>

 

[Daave]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

dareys wrote:

> 3. Finally, after re-installing as outlined in 2. above, the sound
> drivers invariably disappear. No corruption. They just vanish,
> as if they had been deleted. The last time they stuck around for
> about three days.

What exactly is listed in Device Manager *before* the disappearance?

Is your sound card separate or onboard? Is your BIOS configured
accordingly?

What is the make and model of your sound card? Which driver are you
using for it?

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Daave,

Thank you for the response.

1. The machine is an IBM ThinkCenter Tower - A50p 8194-KU8

2. The sound card is part of the motherboard. Yes, the BIOS says that sound
is enabled.

3. The sound drivers are SoundBlaster

4. Device Manager shows them as installed before they disappear and then
just does not show them after they are gone under the sound devices.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre


"Daave" wrote:

> dareys wrote:
>
> > 3. Finally, after re-installing as outlined in 2. above, the sound
> > drivers invariably disappear. No corruption. They just vanish,
> > as if they had been deleted. The last time they stuck around for
> > about three days.
>
> What exactly is listed in Device Manager *before* the disappearance?
>
> Is your sound card separate or onboard? Is your BIOS configured
> accordingly?
>
> What is the make and model of your sound card? Which driver are you
> using for it?
>
>
>

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a ... Correction.

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a ... Correction.

Daave,

Thank you for the response. Here is a correction.

1. The machine is an IBM ThinkCenter Tower - A50p 8194-KU8

2. The sound card is part of the motherboard. Yes, the BIOS says that sound
is enabled.

3. The sound drivers are SoundMax Integrated Digital Audio.

4. Device Manager shows them as installed before they disappear and then
just does not show them after they are gone under the sound devices.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre




"Daave" wrote:

> dareys wrote:
>
> > 3. Finally, after re-installing as outlined in 2. above, the sound
> > drivers invariably disappear. No corruption. They just vanish,
> > as if they had been deleted. The last time they stuck around for
> > about three days.
>
> What exactly is listed in Device Manager *before* the disappearance?
>
> Is your sound card separate or onboard? Is your BIOS configured
> accordingly?
>
> What is the make and model of your sound card? Which driver are you
> using for it?
>
>
>

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Xandros,

I want to delete any existing partitions, make a new one, and then format
the disk (low level or whatever you want to call it) and then install the OS.

I got the disk you indicated and created a boot CD that I think will do the
trick.

Once that is done, I will try to use my own licensed version of Windows XP
to do its thing, whatever it may be.

Thank you.

Jean-Pierre


"Xandros" wrote:

> Whatever. My advice is sound. Take it or leave it. There is essentially no
> advantage to doing a low level format on a modern drive. If all you want to
> do is a reformat then use the tool I sent the link to but be aware that a
> low level format is a much different thing than a simple format.
> --
>
> Xandros
>
>
> "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:3BA15068-8089-4087-8061-F5DE1A407761@microsoft.com...
> > Xandros,
> >
> > I have been performing this kind of activity, on and off, since the early
> > eighties, and frankly, I don't know everything, but I think I know what it
> > is
> > to partition, format and re-install AN OS.
> >
> > Anyway, I want a clean slate, and I want to configure things the way I
> > want.
> > Sorry about that, but hey, everyone knows what they like, and in my book,
> > a
> > reformat is a reformat, no matter what thinks are like these days.
> >
> > Remember, once a programmer, always a programmer.
> >
> > In any case, I thank you for the information. I hope it helps.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "Xandros" wrote:
> >
> >> Have you downloaded the most current drivers for your sound card? That
> >> has
> >> got to be a lot safer than flashing the BIOS - which will not help the
> >> issue
> >> you are seeing and reinstalling the OS - which will not help the problem
> >> you
> >> are seeing. Following that try another sound card.
> >>
> >> If you've already run diagnostics then there should be no reason to do a
> >> low-level format. Perhaps you don't really know what a low-level format
> >> is?
> >> Modern hard drives do not require low-level formatting. You can do it but
> >> essentially it would be a waste of time. Doing so will require a tool
> >> from
> >> your hard drive manufacturer
> >>
> >> If you feel you must reinstall your OS again then why not do a clean
> >> install
> >> by deleting your existing partitions, reformat and do a fresh install.
> >>
> >> You say you don't have a retail version of XP so you don't have the
> >> Recovery
> >> Console but you should still be able to wipe the drive using this
> >> bootable
> >> CD that contains the XP Recovery Console
> >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/tools/bootdiscs/xp_rec_con.zip All
> >> you
> >> have to do is boot the CD, access the Recovery Console, type DISKPART at
> >> the
> >> command prompt, delete the partition, type EXIT when it is finished,
> >> remove
> >> the CD and pop in your image restore CD then hit the Enter key.
> >> --
> >>
> >> Xandros
> >>
> >>
> >> "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:1A3FC83C-8DDA-4280-93E0-4A930CAE081D@microsoft.com...
> >> > Bruce,
> >> >
> >> > Thank you for the response.
> >> >
> >> > I have re-installed the OS several times, but it has not been a "fresh"
> >> > install, including a reformat. Rather, like Daave suggests, it has been
> >> > a
> >> > repair install, without a reformat.
> >> >
> >> > The suspect behaviour, among other things, boils down to this. In spite
> >> > of
> >> > complete hardware diagnostics which have come clean, the sound drivers
> >> > periodically disappear. The speakers, headset etc are ok. Just the
> >> > drivers
> >> > get "corrupted".
> >> >
> >> > I have re-installed them half a dozen times, only to see them
> >> > disappear...
> >> >
> >> > At this point I want a fresh copy of BIOS, and a fresh version of the
> >> > OS
> >> > and
> >> > drivers for my specific hardware just to see if that works. When I have
> >> > done
> >> > that, if the same behaviour persists, then I will have to assume the
> >> > problem
> >> > is with the sound card.
> >> >
> >> > BTW, I have configured the BIOS to boot from CD, but the CDs that I
> >> > have
> >> > are
> >> > image CDs not Windows XP install disks.
> >> >
> >> > Regards,
> >> >
> >> > Jean-Pierre
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > "Bruce Chambers" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> dareys wrote:
> >> >> > Greetings,
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home
> >> >> > Edition
> >> >> > (SP2) on my machine.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen
> >> >> > times
> >> >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install
> >> >> > disks
> >> >> > from
> >> >> > the hardware vendor.
> >> >> >
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this
> >> >> unidentified
> >> >> "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of
> >> >> the
> >> >> OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is
> >> >> something else wrong; most likely defective hardware.
> >> >>
> >> >> Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can
> >> >> get
> >> >> to the root cause of your problems?
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am
> >> >> > having
> >> >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk
> >> >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on
> >> >> > this
> >> >> > site, hopefully?
> >> >> >
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or
> >> >> needed
> >> >> in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have
> >> >> the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions.
> >> >>
> >> >> Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered
> >> >> the
> >> >> opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the
> >> >> installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot
> >> >> devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)
> >> >>
> >> >> HOW TO Install Windows XP
> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941
> >> >>
> >> >> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
> >> >>
> >> >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >>
> >> >> Bruce Chambers
> >> >>
> >> >> Help us help you:
> >> >> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> >> >>
> >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
> >> >>
> >> >> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
> >> >> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
> >> >>
> >> >> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
> >> >> Russell
> >> >>
> >> >> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
> >> >> killed a great many philosophers.
> >> >> ~ Denis Diderot
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Ken,

I am just trying to delete existing partitions, create a single new one,
install Windows XP.

The disks I have do not allow you to do that.

Xandros provided a site where I got software to create a boot CD which will
allow that.

Once done, I will try to install my actual license disks, having, hopefully
wiped the slate clean of any potential problems.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre


"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:34:35 -0600, "Xandros"
> <arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Whatever. My advice is sound. Take it or leave it. There is essentially no
> > advantage to doing a low level format on a modern drive. If all you want to
> > do is a reformat then use the tool I sent the link to but be aware that a
> > low level format is a much different thing than a simple format.
>
>
> Although I basically agree with your paragraph above, let me add the
> following:
>
> Low-level formatting was a technique that used to be used (many years
> ago) on hard drives. It is no longer used, and if someone finds an old
> low-level format program and uses it on a modern drive, it will ruin
> the drive. There are modern programs that do disk reinitialization and
> can be used. Unfortunately these are often erroneously called
> "low-level format" programs. My view is that giving them that old name
> is very poor practice, and leads to the possibility that someone may
> mistakenly find and use an old low-level format program and ruin a
> modern drive with it.
>
> --
> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> Please Reply to the Newsgroup
>

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Patrick,

Thank you for the information. I will look for the information. However, I
don't know if it will apply to my hardware.

Jean-Pierre


"Patrick Keenan" wrote:

>
> "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:1A3FC83C-8DDA-4280-93E0-4A930CAE081D@microsoft.com...
> > Bruce,
> >
> > Thank you for the response.
> >
> > I have re-installed the OS several times, but it has not been a "fresh"
> > install, including a reformat. Rather, like Daave suggests, it has been a
> > repair install, without a reformat.
> >
> > The suspect behaviour, among other things, boils down to this. In spite of
> > complete hardware diagnostics which have come clean, the sound drivers
> > periodically disappear. The speakers, headset etc are ok. Just the drivers
> > get "corrupted".
> >
> > I have re-installed them half a dozen times, only to see them disappear...
> >
> > At this point I want a fresh copy of BIOS, and a fresh version of the OS
> > and
> > drivers for my specific hardware just to see if that works. When I have
> > done
> > that, if the same behaviour persists, then I will have to assume the
> > problem
> > is with the sound card.
> >
> > BTW, I have configured the BIOS to boot from CD, but the CDs that I have
> > are
> > image CDs not Windows XP install disks.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
>
>
> Well, it seems that someone else just posted exactly this same problem and
> how she fixed it.
>
> Look for a post called "Audio driver keeps disappearing", followed by three
> titled "FIXED", two of which contain this text:
>
> "Got the patch number from the folks at annoyances.org So its fixed. (And
> it
> was a Windows update that caused reaktek to not work)"
>
>
> "The update that caused the issue was KB925902. The Patch that fixed it was
> KB935448.
>
> Again it was a realtek audio driver that it works for.
> Thanks!
> Nancy"
>
> HTH
> -pk
>
> >
> >
> > "Bruce Chambers" wrote:
> >
> >> dareys wrote:
> >> > Greetings,
> >> >
> >> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home
> >> > Edition
> >> > (SP2) on my machine.
> >> >
> >> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen
> >> > times
> >> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks
> >> > from
> >> > the hardware vendor.
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >> Then it's probably time to look for the real cause of this unidentified
> >> "suspect behavior," wouldn't you say? If repeated installations of the
> >> OS aren't addressing your issues, then it's clear that there is
> >> something else wrong; most likely defective hardware.
> >>
> >> Why not describe the specifics of this "suspect behavior" so we can get
> >> to the root cause of your problems?
> >>
> >>
> >> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am
> >> > having
> >> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk
> >> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on
> >> > this
> >> > site, hopefully?
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >> FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is neither available or needed
> >> in WinXP. All legitimate WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have
> >> the capability of deleting, creating, and formatting partitions.
> >>
> >> Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the
> >> opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the
> >> installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot
> >> devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)
> >>
> >> HOW TO Install Windows XP
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941
> >>
> >> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
> >>
> >> http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> Bruce Chambers
> >>
> >> Help us help you:
> >> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> >>
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
> >>
> >> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
> >> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
> >>
> >> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
> >> Russell
> >>
> >> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
> >> killed a great many philosophers.
> >> ~ Denis Diderot
> >>
>
>

 

[dareys]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Lil' Dave,

Thank you for the post. No, it is not a SCSI drive.

Here is the issue.

1. Sound drivers disappear randomly, even if I keep installing them.
2. Re-installing the OS and related software will not help the problem.
I don't get the option to remove existing partitions, reformat the disk
and
do a regular install which I want to do as I suspect a virus.
3. I have just acquired software to do 2.
4. When 3. is done, I will re-install my own licensed software.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. I hate to say it as there are over 30 posts in this thread but you can
get more
detail by looking at my responses only.
"Lil' Dave" wrote:

> Unless you have a native onboard scsi or scsi card that said hard drive is
> connected to, and, bios capable of low-level formatting by the scsi bios,
> refrain from doing so on any other hard drive connection type for low-level
> formatting.
>
> Fdisk.exe and format.com are msdos operating system files. They are not of
> any connection with low-level formatting.
>
> If you want help, describe your problem.
>
> --
> Dave
>
> "dareys" <dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:31A5D43A-FC0D-4BB9-B88C-D5A45B57B0B9@microsoft.com...
> > Greetings,
> >
> > I have been experiencing a number of problems with Windows XP Home Edition
> > (SP2) on my machine.
> >
> > At this point, I have re-installed the operating system half a dozen times
> > with the same suspect behaviour, in spite of getting new install disks
> > from
> > the hardware vendor.
> >
> > So, now I am considering a low level format of the machine, but I am
> > having
> > a very hard time locating a boot disk containing the format or fdisk
> > commands. Can anyone point me to where I could find these files, on this
> > site, hopefully?
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
> >
>
>
>

 

[Daave]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a ... Correction.

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a ... Correction.

dareys wrote:

> 1. The machine is an IBM ThinkCenter Tower - A50p 8194-KU8
>
> 2. The sound card is part of the motherboard. Yes, the BIOS says that
> sound is enabled.
>
> 3. The sound drivers are SoundMax Integrated Digital Audio.
>
> 4. Device Manager shows them as installed before they disappear and
> then just does not show them after they are gone under the sound
> devices.

My Dell has the same thing: SoundMax Integrated Digital Audio. When I
double-click that entry in Device Manager, I get a Properties window.
When I click on the Driver tab, I get the following:

Driver Provider: Analog Devices
Driver Date: 11/18/2003
Driver Version: 5.12.1.3910
Digital Signer: Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publ

What do you see in yours?

Also, try Start | Run | msinfo32 [enter] | Sound Device

What do you get?

Did you attempt to install new sound card drivers or not? If so, where
did you get them from? Are they correct for the OS?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

Re: Low level re-format and partionning of a disk drive under Wind

On Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:22:06 -0700, dareys
<dareys@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> Ken,
>
> I am just trying to delete existing partitions, create a single new one,
> install Windows XP.



That's fine if that's what you want to do. My point was simply that
you should be sure *not* to do a low-level format.



> The disks I have do not allow you to do that.
>
> Xandros provided a site where I got software to create a boot CD which will
> allow that.
>
> Once done, I will try to install my actual license disks, having, hopefully
> wiped the slate clean of any potential problems.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jean-Pierre
>
>
> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:
>
> > On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:34:35 -0600, "Xandros"
> > <arron.neus*remove*@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Whatever. My advice is sound. Take it or leave it. There is essentially no
> > > advantage to doing a low level format on a modern drive. If all you want to
> > > do is a reformat then use the tool I sent the link to but be aware that a
> > > low level format is a much different thing than a simple format.
> >
> >
> > Although I basically agree with your paragraph above, let me add the
> > following:
> >
> > Low-level formatting was a technique that used to be used (many years
> > ago) on hard drives. It is no longer used, and if someone finds an old
> > low-level format program and uses it on a modern drive, it will ruin
> > the drive. There are modern programs that do disk reinitialization and
> > can be used. Unfortunately these are often erroneously called
> > "low-level format" programs. My view is that giving them that old name
> > is very poor practice, and leads to the possibility that someone may
> > mistakenly find and use an old low-level format program and ruin a
> > modern drive with it.
> >
> > --
> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
> >

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup