Greetings Susan--
----- Original Message -----
From: "Susan S. Hays" <[log in to unmask]>

> I have a Gateway Pentium 3 1000.  I installed a new hard drive a couple of
> weeks ago.  I now have ended up installing a new motherboard.  Could someone
> please give me directions for reformatting.  Since I have a new motherboard,
> I just want a clean slate.  I want to get rid of everything and start over.
> I tried using my start up disk but when I get to the a:\ prompt and type in
> format c:, it won't let me do that.  I just want to get rid of the WindowsMe
> I had installed on my new hard drive and just start from scratch with my new
> motherboard.

If I remember correctly, when WinME or Win98 creates a startup disk and
you boot from it, it is set up to create a "RAM drive" or virtual disk.  Several
of the DOS commands--including 'format' I believe--are located there.  Before
formating, I would suggest using fdisk to delete any existing partitions, then create
a new partition(s).  Watch the boot process from your startup disk for which
drive letter is created as the RAM drive.  Change to that drive letter, and enter
the dir format.* command to see if format is located there.  If so, start the format
from that location.

HTH,

Paul Shippert


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.445 / Virus Database: 250 - Release Date: 1/21/2003

        The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great
       tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine
           Visit our web site to signup: http://freepctech.com