It was a problem with the boot disk - i went downloaded a new boot disk
from the internet and everything worked fine.

thanks

bc wrote:
>
> Wally,
> Check your bootdisk and verify that the format command is listed by typing
> at the a: prompt dir /p. If it isn't then go to your c drive through the dos
> prompt and get to the windows\command dir. and then type: copy format a:
>
> Hope this helps
>
> Barry Clark
> MCSE/CCNA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Wally Bruchman" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2001 8:48 AM
> Subject: [PCBUILD] Cannot format C drive
>
> > Sorry - an incomplete copy got mailed prematurely - here is the full
> version:
> >
> > Hi
> >
> > I am trying to reformat my c drive - have done it before but having
> problems.  Here is what i am doing:
> >
> > 1. start with boot disk in a drive and come to a:\
> > 2. type in "format c: /s"
> > 3. I get "bad command or file name message"
> > 4. same result using c:\
> > 5. same result using "format c:" command
> >
> > I also tried starting in Windows and switching to dos but when I put in
> the "format c:" command i get the following message:
> >
> > Drive c: is currently in use by another process. Aborting format.
> >
> > I have nothing on this system except Windows 95 ( upgrading to 98) - no
> programs at all.  When I hit alt, contrl, del there is nothing running
> except Explorer
> >
> > Thanks for any help,
> >
> > Wally B
> >
> >         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
> >
>
>         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

--
Wally Bruchman
EBS ~ Electronic Banking Systems
PH 732 888-3898 Fx 732 888-9084

EFT Payments - On Time, Every Time!    http://www.ebseft.com

        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