Reformat a hard drive

first, you will need a boot disk which you can get from www.bootdisk.com

after you have that, copy format.com and fdisk.exe to it.

now, reboot the system to that disk to see if it works.

if it does do this:

1)  reboot with boot disk inserted
2)  at the command prompt, type fdisk and hit enter
3)  if prompted to enable large disk support, hit Y and enter
4)  at the main menu, hit 3 and enter
5)  at the next menu, hit 1 and enter
6)  follow the rest of the prompts for deletion
7)  hit esc to get back to the main menu and hit 1 and enter
8)  at the next menu hit 1 and enter again
9)  follow the prompts to finish creating the pri DOS partition
10)  after completion, hit escape to return to the DOS prompt
11)  restart the computer with the diskette still in
12)  at the DOS prompt, type format C: and hit enter
13)  after format is complete, restart the system again
14)  now, do you have windows on CD or on floppy?

also, win95 or win3.X

If you want the data on your old hard disk to be wiped, it is not enough to
reformat it. You shall use a utility which really erase the data on the disk.
If on the other hand you don't need wipe it, try :
format c:
and answer the questions.

Isac, as you are new here, welcome!  However, you should be aware that the experts here adhere to a sort of policy.  We do not post "answers" unless we know that our advice will solve the problem at hand.  When you post advice as an answer it locks the question and many eperts wont even look at it, further delaying the questioners solution.  In this case, the customer simply wants to format the drive, which for all practical purposes after deleting the Partition, makes the data unrecoverable.  Other than that, your answer is to format the drive.  The question here is "how to".  I'm not trying to be rude but want to make you aware of the etiquette observed at this site.  Again, welcome!

1cell,

I was running Win 98 on the laptop.  I want to revert back to Win 95 (which I have on CD - OEM version).  I went to bootdisk and got the files for Win95 (onto floppy).  Now it seems that I don't have a compatible version of FORMAT (I copied the one from my PC, and it didn't like it.)  Any suggestions?

Also, since my Windows is on CD, I'll have to load the driver for my external (PCMCIA) CD-ROM first to be able to reload Windows.

Tom

eeewww

OK, first, what happened when you tried to copy format.com to the floppy and did fdisk.exe go OK?  Did you check to see if there was a format.com on already?

Now, how to get a PCMCIA CD working in DOS....

hmmmm
Be right back

I downloaded the right version of Win95 boot disk (ver B).  Then, I copied FORMAT from my Win95 CD.  Right now, the computer's formatting C:.  So far it's working.

To load the CD-ROM, I think the driver diskette has all the necessary info.  I'll try in a minute once the formatting is done.


Tom

ok, does your cd-rom currently work in DOS?

if so, do a search for pccard.* and copy that file to the diskette

tell me if you found it

ohh, you are already formatting???

this could make things more difficult

let me know what happens

uuhhhh ... no.  I've got the diskette.  When I try to run INSTALL, it starts to run, then I get "The command interpreter cannot be found."  I'm assuming that's command.com, but I don't know where it's looking for it (on the C: drive?)  Should I have done a format /s or something?  I'm lost now ... this is embarrassing.  I've never claimed to be a hardware kind of guy.
Thoughts?

When we get through this, I'm definitely giving you more points!

OK, you did fdisk?
you did format?
and it did read the CD?

I fdisk'd (still booting from floppy).
Then I formatted c: (from a:).
When the computer boots, it's not checking the PCMCIA slot for a CD-ROM.  So, I stuck trying to load the CD-ROM software from diskette.

Should I start over?

yup

in an ideal world, we would have copied the proper driver from the hard drive to the diskette and changed the config.sys and autoexec.bat to properly load that driver for DOS.  

will return soon. might bring backup help.

what kind of computer and PCMCIA card are these?

no, don't start over

It's an AT&T Globalyst 130, 486DX4/100.
The PCMCIA is a Type II slot, I believe.

OK, I have called the expert of experts.  

Hi Chris, thanks for the invitation!

Hi Regent,

Reformat the drive and use the /S switch as you noted, then boot to the "C" to make sure its bootable. You won't see the CD until you load the drivers for it, however there may be a way around this after the format.

Once you've formatted the drive for Windows 95, stick your Windows 98 boot disk into the drive and boot to it and select With CD Rom drive support.

Now load win95.
Dennis

dennis,

I think that is what was done.  Will that take care of PCMCIA?

The Win98 boot disk should handle the PCMCIA issue and the win95 command.com will aready be on the hard drive.

ahhh, a win98 boot disk. OK

can you handle that regent or do you need further clarification?

thanks Dew, glad we can work together.

(.)

No joy.  Reformatted with /s option.  Put in Win 98 Boot Disk (from my PC, because I can't find the one for the laptop).  Loaded with CD-ROM Support, but I get "No drives found ... aborting installation."  It's looking for device "MSCD001".  Then I get "ERROR - PCI read configuration failure".

?????

ummm,  I think we might have to edit the config.sys and autoexec.bat on that diskette.  If it's your only, copy it to another floppy on the desktop PC.

as per microsoft

SUMMARY
=======
 
The AT&T Globalyst 130 requires a different PCMCIA setup than other AT&T
Globalyst series laptops.
 
MORE INFORMATION
================
 
The Hardware.txt file from the Windows 95 CD-ROM instructs you to enable PCMCIA support through the BIOS setup program for the AT&T Globalyst laptops. However, The AT&T Globalyst 130 does not have any options in the BIOS for nabling/disabling the PCMCIA socket services on the laptop. Instead, the socket
must be enabled by loading the device driver, Ss365sl.exe, in the Config.sys.
 
The file, Ss365sl.exe, is a socket enabler, and must be loaded for protect mode socket services to setup in Windows 95. Without this file, the PCMCIA socket services are disabled.
 
The AT&T Globalyst 200S, 250, 250P, and 3141 contain BIOS settings to enable/disable PCMCIA socket services on the laptop.
 
The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.
 

Regent, do you have any data on this laptop at all in order to sort this cd rom drive out?

What data do we need?

also, did it come with any sort of recovery CD or diskette?

Nope, didn't get any software with it.  Back in '96, it was my first computer ever, so I didn't know that the company shafted me.

I think Chris is on to something with the Ss365sl.exe.  The HiVal CD-ROM requires socket services to be installed.  Question is ... where do I get Ss365sl.exe from and how do I install it?

right now I'm looking all over the internet for a download of Ss365sl.exe which it seems would solve this.  If you're bored, look for it also

I'm looking.  I also e-mailed HiVal (the CD-ROM makers) to see if they have any thoughts.  Don't know when they'll get back to me though.

once/if we find it, you will put it on the boot disk and edit the config.sys and autoexec.bat for this file.

is there a book or manual that came with this system to tell you who you might contact?

Well, I give up.  I don't have any boot up software.  I don't have any documentation.  And I can't seem to find what files I need.  1cell, please just propose any answer so I can give you the points.  I've been up for 24hrs and this computer thing is working my last nerve.  Thanks for the attempts.

not so fast, I think I found it

click on this link and download it to your hard drive.  I am downloading it right not and will post further.  

ftp://download.intel.com/enduser_reseller/pcmcia_wireless_fax_modems/rel3sw.exe

ok.  done.

how much free space is on the boot disk?  if not the 98 one, the other  which you downloaded.

613K on the one I downloaded (Win95).  243K on my PC Win98 disk.

OK, due to the fact that A) this program is to big to fit and run itself on a floppy and B) I can't cut down enough and keep it functional, we are going to turn your C: into the bootdisk.

So, copy the file from your desktop to a floppy and put that in the laptop.

Now, at the DOS prompt, type a: and hit enter
at the A:\> type copy REL3SW.EXE C: and hit enter

Now, type:  c:  and hit enter

at C:\>  type   REL3SW.EXE   and hit enter ( this will extract the needed files. )

more to come....

still at the DOS prompt c:\> reinsert the boot disk and :

type    edit    and hit enter

Now type the following exactly as it appears where _ equals a blank space and save it as config.sys directly to C:

DEVICE=C:\CMGRDRVR.EXE_ /INST



Now, delete everything in the blue window and type the following where _ equals a blank space.  Save it as autoexec.bat directly to C:

C:\CCMGR.EXE_ /D=0


Now, exit the edit program.  By the way, if you cannot get the edit command to work on your system you can do it from the desktop and copy it over.

Going to lunch, back in 30min.

OK, haven't been to lunch yet as the customers wont leave me alone.

Anyway, enter each of the following lines at the C:\> with the 95 bootdisk inserted hitting enter at the end of each line.

ren autoexec.bat autoexec.new            

ren config.sys config.new

a:

copy *.* c:

c:

ren autoexec.new autoexec.bat  ( if prompted if you want to overwrite, choose yes )

ren config.new config.sys ( if prompted if you want to overwrite, choose yes )


now, let's see if I know what I'm doing
remove the floppy disk and reboot theoretically, yuo should be at a dos prompt and have CD-ROM support.  I have no idea what drive letter it will be so try D: first but also, R:, E:, and every other letter of the alphabet for that matter.  If you get to a drive besides A: or C:, put the CD in and type setup.  

If it doesn't work there are a few more things to try.


Out to lunch

Do you want the contents of a recovery disk emailed / posted on the web for you?

okay.  I did all the above.  When I reboot (from C:), I get ...

Starting Windows 95 ...

Card services is not present.  Make sure there is a card services driver in your config.sys file.

I think I do need the recovery disk files.  e-mail=tregen@home.com

YES!!!

that will help soooooo much

regent,  after you get the recovery files, format /s again

great news from dht1

so, where are we?

Big mother of an Oops! My recovery disk's gone walkies.
*(&^£(&!!!

Now I feel like a complete pratt.

Um... I can email the contents of a system disk (I doubt you'll be able to access your CD drive though)...

*Trying to track down someone with a recovery disk* Pushing my luck since it's 02:00 GMT, but I'll let you know!

I'm gonna have to sign out for the night.  Like I said earlier, I've been up over 24 hrs.  I can't even see straight!

I'll square up points tomorrow.  Thanks for the assistance.

Tom

So who gets the points? The expert of experts? Out to lunch? or the call from the void DHT1?

shaddup and solve the problem Mrbreeze.  lol

any ideas from you as you seem to display pretty solid tech knowledge?  can you find the Ss365sl.exe?

HA! The man calls me a void as I trudge around the murky depths of the MS website for recovery files which are probably not even there!

Grrrr.

And besides, who gives a rolling donught about the points!?

well put dht1.

however, I don't think you'll find those file at MS.  This is an intel thing which they say, " we no longer manufacture and will not support "

I honestly think the key to this is Ss365sl.exe.  If anyone can find that.........

wow, I've been on this thread for more than half of my workday.

I really hope we get this solved for you regent.

 If anybody has any idea where to get Ss365sl.exe or the recovery disk files, I'll let you sleep with my girlfriend!!!

well, I've posted a question on the intel site.  we'll see if anyone responds.  dht1, did/do you won one of these or something?

Regent, at the DOS prompt

type del config.sys and hit enter.

insert the 95 boot disk and:

type a:           and hit enter
type copy config.sys c:          and hit enter
type c:                and hit enter
type edit config.sys           and hit enter
put the following lines at the bottom of the file

DEVICE=C:\CCMSERV.EXE
DEVICE=C:\RTINIT.EXE
DEVICE=C:\CMGRDRVR.EXE /INST
INSTALL=C:\CCMGR.EXE /D=0

save changes and exit

test it now.  this is assuming the files are still extracted on the C:.  

Hi Chris,

Any luck so far?

I'll put it out to some of the WinNT and Win98 lists I subscribe to and see what happens.

Sorry to butt in and back out agaian, had something I had to care of. I tried to locate the file you were seeking but also had no luck finding it alone. I do know that the chip is Intel but the software that drove it was the old Cardsoft stuff from a company named SystemSoft. Here is a link to their page where they sell the stuff. http://www.systemsoft.com/products/discontinued/index.htm
and I know it includes everything to rebuild it with.
Haven't found anything free yet. I do know that the config.sys file needs to have an entry for the socket service, the card service and the allocator to make it run. How to write it I don't know, notebooks aren't my thing and this one is obsolete.
I'll keep looking for you maybe someone will respond to the post I've put on the boards I hang at. Doe's this qualify? If anybody has any idea where to get Ss365sl.exe or the recovery disk files, I'll let you sleep with my girlfriend!!! hehehehe
                         Mrbreeze

Mrbreeze, you're too willing. Get the actual files first and ya never know! I doubt Chris has asked his girl friend yet though! <grin>

I knew you would say that...LOL...
                              Mrbreeze

"...did/do you won one of these or something?"... sorry, I'm not sure what you mean.

No, I haven't had any luck finding files. No surprises! I sent out a couple of emails last night asking if anyone has recovery disks, but haven't had responses yet.

FYI, I should be able to email the necessary files later. Regent, Can you just confirm whether your CDROM's compat with the Atapi drivers?

Good morning.

We're getting closer.  Per 1cell instructions, I modified the config.sys as noted above.  Booted from C:.  It said I needed to run CARDLIST.  I did that, put in the PCMCIA card, it recognized it, then I named it (I just called it HiVal CDROM - do I have to name it something technical?).

Now, when I reboot, I get a message saying "could not configure HiVal CDROM.  A valid I/O address range could not be found.  Display possible configurations (Y/N)"

I displayed the configurations, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do with the info.

Progress has definitely been made.  My CD-ROM is being recognized (to power up - green light - can open and close the drive).  However, I still can't access it (D:, etc.).

Any thoughts?  I really do appreciate you guys taking the time to help me out.  I don't mean to diminish your expertise and assistance by the mere offering of points.  Thanks

Tom

Tom, I've channeled most of my efforts through Chris, which includes the data sheets which should contain the I/O data that you need. He should be joining us shortly.

I downloaded the updated cddrivers from HiVal and ran the setup file.  It inserted a couple lines in the config.sys:

DEVICE=C:\PCMIDE\PCMI80.SYS
DEVICE=C:\PCMIDE\STATPCDM.SYS /D:MSCD000

I rebooted, but still get the "could not configure" error from the Intel Card Services.

Just to update you, there's no joy on the prospects of a recovery disk. Sorry.

okeedokee,

first dht1, I meant to say did you OWN one of these.... not won

now regent, we can get the proper I/O recognized but it will take me a minute.  be back soon.  

this is so much fun

Presumably, 1cell, you're referring to the recovery disk. Yes, I do own one, but I'm away from home at the moment, and believe I left it behind :(

Surely someone else has purchased an 'off the shelf computer' and has a recovery disk!?

This won't help with the cdrom problem, but what about using direct cable connection/laplink or something similar to transfer the 95 setup files to the machine? If you're just going to sell it, let the buyer worry about enabling the pcmcia services. They could always use a parallel port cdrom, and an external modem.

OK, again, type edit config.sys and hit enter

make the file look like this

DEVICE=C:\CARDMGR\CCMSERV.EXE
DEVICE=C:\CARDMGR\RTINIT.EXE /IO=260-26F
DEVICE=C:\CARDMGR\CMGRDRVR.EXE /INST
INSTALL=C:\CARDMGR\CCMGR.EXE /D=0

this is what we should have just done in the beginning but I was trying to simlpify it.  Should have known better.

now, if this does not work, I think we may have to assign the proper drive letter in autoexec.  make sure you try D:, R:, E:, and anything else that makes you feel warm and fuzzy.

let me know

After the Card Manager runs, I successfully get to the DOS prompt, but my CD-ROM is just making this repititious clicking sound.  And is doesn't stop.

Cannot access the CD-ROM drive (tried c: and every other letter).

OK, do this for me, edit the config.sys and autoexec.bat files and post contents here.

config.sys =
<<
DEVICE=HIMEM.SYS
BUFFERS=20
FILES=60

REM ****** PART II RESEARCH (CITIROM SERVICES) ********
DEVICE=C:\PCMIDE\PCMI80CL.SYS
DEVICE=C:\PCMIDE\STATPCDM.SYS /D:MSCD000

LASTDRIVE=Z

DEVICE=C:\CCMSERV.EXE
DEVICE=C:\RTINIT.EXE /IO=260-26F
DEVICE=C:\CMGRDRVR.EXE /INST
INSTALL=C:\CCMGR.EXE /D=0
>>

autoexec.bat =
<<
C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD000
C:\CCMGR.EXE /D=0
>>

I don't have a CARDMGR directory on C:.

ok, how about a directory of C:

the command at c:\>  is   dir  and then hit enter.  If it scrolls off the page, type dir /w that should do it

you shouldn't have a cardmgr directory on the C: drive but according to the config and autoexec, it is pointing to a DOS directory and a PCMIDE directory

[CDROM]
[PCMIDE]
CCMGR.CFG
CARDLIST.EXE
CCMGR.EXE
CMGRDRVR.EXE
RTINIT.EXE
CCMDIAG.EXE
CCMSERV.EXE
CPR.SYS
FAX.HLP
FAX-CMGR.HLP
CARDMGR.EXE
CARDMGR.HLP
COMDIAG.EXE
COMDIAG.HLP
ADDCARD.COM
SETCARD.COM
README.TXT
EDIT.COM
AUTOEXEC.BAT
COUNTRY.SYS
DISPLAY.SYS
EGA.CPI
EGA2.CPI
EGA3.CPI
FDISK.EXE
HIMEM.SYS
KEYB.COM
KEYBOARD.SYS
KEYBRD2.SYS
MODE.COM
MSCDEX.EXE
DRVCOPY.INF
FORMAT.COM
MTMCDAI.SYS
REL3SW.EXE
CONFIG.BAK
AUTOEXEC.BAK
CONFIG.SYS

I have to run a quick errand.  Should be back in < 30 min.

Tom

I tried modifying the autoexec.bat to remove that reference to the non-existent DOS directory.  Rebooted, but then still got the CD-ROM clicking problem.

OK, how about a directory listing of [cdrom]

also, in the autoexec.bat, change the line

C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD000

to

c:\mscdex.exe /d:mscd000

Only 1 file in CDROM:  AOATAPI.SYS

hmm, that might come in useful.

make the chage above to the autoexec and try it

Did it.  No joy.  When the MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD000 runs, I get a "device driver not found:  MSCD000.  No valid CDROM device drivers selected" error.

I also get a "searching for ATAPI CD-ROM on IDE bus ... unable to locate any CD-ROM Drive" message before the Card Manager executes.

Does the order of the DEVICE declarations in the config.sys file matter?

I have an appointment to go to.  Should be back in a couple hours.  Thanks again for working with me on this.

You need to call the PCMCIA device before calling the cd rom driver.

Just a thought (still on the recovery disk idea - since I have no others!)

Why not call tech support for a PC distributer/manufacturer & ask them to email you a recovery disk. It's not really much skin off their noses.

hmm, must have posted a comment similar to dew's on another thread.  well, it's not here so:

config.sys


DEVICE=HIMEM.SYS
BUFFERS=20
FILES=60
DEVICE=C:\CCMSERV.EXE
DEVICE=C:\RTINIT.EXE /IO=260-26F
DEVICE=C:\CMGRDRVR.EXE /INST
INSTALL=C:\CCMGR.EXE /D=0
REM ****** PART II RESEARCH (CITIROM SERVICES) ********
DEVICE=C:\PCMIDE\PCMI80CL.SYS
DEVICE=C:\PCMIDE\STATPCDM.SYS /D:MSCD000

LASTDRIVE=Z

Still didn't work.  I don't know what's wrong now.

any messages or errors?

I'll be back in a few hours.  It's league bowling night.

Chris,

I should've used the laptop to bowl with!  Okay, I bought a new PC tonight.  It came with a Win98 Boot diskette and a Win98 CD.  Can we please start over the laptop installation?  After 18 pages of comments, I can't figure out what's what.  Can we just fdisk and format and try from scratch?

Tom

regent,

     Since HiVal is a remarketer, not a manufacturer, it would probably be the shortest route if you could slide out your CD-ROM drive and check the physical markings to see who the original manufacturer was and possibly a model number.

     Mrbreeze is correct that a PCMCIA device needs the socket service enabled, and while there are download files for all types of CD-ROMS at http://www.hival.com/tech/download.htm,
they are listed by Original Manufacturer name and speed (8X, etc) and the zipped file names mask the underlying executable, so you can't just search for Ss365sl.exe.

Good luck,

Tim

I'm sorry, I just can't deal with this stupid laptop anymore.  I screwed it up and now it's a paperweight.  EE is a great forum for resolving problems, but it's just too cumbersome for the obvious extensive hand-holding that I need for this endeavor.  Thanks to all who commented.  Wish I had the energy to continue the good fight.  Computer=1, Tom=0.

If anyone has a revelation and thinks that I might be able to get the ol' laptop working, please feel free to e-mail me:  tregen@home.com

Thanks!

Regent, put that Win98 floppy into the drive and boot to it. The downside is is that that 486 will need to be at least a DX100 to run windows 98 HOWEVER if you can get it to boot to that floppy you may get access to the CD rom drive and thereby be able to load at least Windows 95.
Dennis

Dew,

I tried it with the Win98 Boot disk, selecting all three options (Win98 from CD, with CD-ROM support, without CD-ROM support).  None gave me access.  I don't know what's wrong.

I e-mailed a computer place locally.  The guy said that they can remove the hard drive, install it in another machine, and load
the windows cab files on it. Then they will reinstall the hard drive in your laptop and run the install program from the cab files.

What do you think ... make sense?  I'm only looking at about $70 for them to do it.  I feel like I'm running out of options.

Thanks for helping Chris and me.  I know it's difficult working on computers when you can't physically get to them and have access to all the necessary (and appropriate) software.  For the life of me, I don't know what happened the startup disk.  I think I may have gotten rid of the Win95 one when I loaded Win98.  But I've always made startup disks for my computers.  I don't know.

I'd certainly consider it Tom!