How do I format a Disk with XP on?

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I have just added XP onto a new disk and want to format the old disk with XP, when I try I get the message "this disk contains operating system cannot formt" or words to that affect. How do I format my old disk? Anyone. Thanks.
 
Easiest way is probably to delete and recreate the partition on the disk using Disk Management - right click on My Computer and pick Manage.
 
If it's telling you it's the system disc, then it still is. It might not have the OS on, but it probably has the bootloader on it. Formatting would probably cause your PC to stop booting...
 
csmager said:
If it's telling you it's the system disc, then it still is. It might not have the OS on, but it probably has the bootloader on it. Formatting would probably cause your PC to stop booting...
Good point, didn't think about that.

To the OP: Was the old disk still connected when the new copy of XP was installed?
 
rule number 1 when installing windows

-remove all other hard drives from system when installing
 
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