How to Format the C Drive Using a Recovery Console in Windows XP
The Recovery Console is a tool that is built in to the Windows XP installation CD. The Recovery Console gives you command line access to the computer without having to boot into the operating system. While the number of commands you can execute in the recovery console is limited, you can still perform basic functions, such as formatting a hard drive.
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Instructions
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Shut down your computer (if it is already on) and start it back up. As it boots up, keep an eye on the screen and press the "Boot Menu" key, which is displayed on the screen.
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Place your installation CD in the CD tray of your computer and then choose the "Boot from CD" or "Boot from DVD" option.
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Press the "R" key to enter the Recovery console. Press the "1" key and then hit the "Enter" key to select the default operating system.
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Enter your Administrator password and hit the "Enter" key. You are now logged in to the Recovery Console.
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Reformat the "C:" drive by typing "format c: /Q /fs:ntfs" and then hitting the "Enter" key. The "C:" drive is now formatted.
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