During boot up my computer freezes. I can manage to start up in safe mode, but thats it. I have decided to format the hard drive but get the message - Format not supported on drive c:
I have also tried the fdisk route but get the message - no fixed discs present.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Error Message When You Run ScanDisk or Fdisk: No Fixed Disks Present
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=309459

You have to reboot after creating a partition before you can format it. Did you go back with fdisk and display the partition info to be sure a partition is there?

Hard Disk Setup - Partition and Format
http://www.buildeasypc.com/sw/hddsetup.htm

How to Use the Fdisk Tool and the Format Tool to Partition or Repartition a Hard Disk
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255867

It sounds as though you're trying to format while running windows. Windows won't let this happen.

Why you are getting a "No fixed disks present" is a mystery at this point. If the system will start in safe mode there's obviously a disk recognition.

If this freezing has started within the last five days you could try a registry restore.

Registry restore;

Start the computer in RAW DOS. When it first boots, right after the POST screen when it says "Starting Windows 98", hit the Ctrl or F8 key. You have to be quick. You should get the MS Boot Menu. Choose "Command prompt only". When you get the C:\> prompt, type in;

scanreg /restore

and pick a date that preceeds the problem. Any software installs or system changes from the date you pick will have to be redone.

Post back if this gets rid of the problem.

Fantastic. Many thanks for your help. I will remember the scanreg /restore trick for the future. Just got to start reloading all my software now.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Dan Penny

Registry restore;

Start the computer in RAW DOS. When it first boots, right after the POST screen when it says "Starting Windows 98", hit the Ctrl or F8 key. You have to be quick. You should get the MS Boot Menu. Choose "Command prompt only". When you get the C:\> prompt, type in;

scanreg /restore

and pick a date that preceeds the problem. Any software installs or system changes from the date you pick will have to be redone.

Post back if this gets rid of the problem.

Hi Dan, I have just posted a question on the board for the first time. On reading your reply to this one I was wondering if it could solve my problem too. Could you have a look at the new thread called 'new girl on the board' and let me know. Cheers, Linda