Any DOS experts out there? I need help!

[VanMac]

I decided to reinstall DOS 6.0 on an old 486 with a 200MB hard drive (don't laugh -- I use a PIII as my main system, this one is just for messing about with!).

I FDISKed and repartitioned the hard drive, then went to reinstall, but SETUP is telling me the hard drive is only 6MB, so I can't even get DOS reinstalled!

I suspect that this has something to do with DoubleSpace, which I was using on the previous install. As I recall, DoubleSpace created an H: drive as the HOST_FOR_C, and it was probably about 6MB. FDISK tells me the hard drive is only 6MB in size, and there are no other partitions specified.

Please, how can I wipe the full hard drive clean so I get the other 194MB back? BTW, this is an old system with no CD-ROM drive.

Thanks for any help you can provide! Until I get this resolved, the system is completely useless.

[grogiinsky]

If you're not loading DoubleSpace in config.sys or autoexec.baat, wherever it goes, then it's not a factor.

I would go back into FDisk and look at the partition information, then delete all partitions and create a Primary DOS partition and make it a boot partition. Tell it to use all the space possible. Then format it with the system files.

Just to be sure, I'd rename any config.sys or autoexec.files for a clean boot. You should certainly be able to get a 200MB drive going.

Steve

[buitenb]

ok start up from a dos bootable floppy
run fdisk and delete all the partitions
also the extended partitions and logic drives !
then you should have a empty hd !
check that with option 4 from fdisk it will let you see how the space is assigned to the disk.
then make a new primary drive and make it active and then restart your machine
and format the hardrive with the boot disk
and do a sys c: from tha boot floppy.
i think your drive has a extended partition
thats why the primary is only 6mb .


jakob

[scotter]

well I happen to have the dos manual here and it's says if your using disk compression Fdisk will not see the compressed partion
the best way to dump the whole drive is to go to the drive manufactures web site and download there drive diagnastic utility
try to see if it has a ZERO fill program with it or if they have a stand alone zero fill utility
then just have it write zeros to the whole drive when it's done it will be just like a brand new drive then run fdisk again and format and your should be all set http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[VanMac]

Thanks, Scotter!

I've already wiped out everything visible in FDISK, but its still showing only the 6MB available. However, your advice sounds good! I guess I'll have to open up the case and see who made this dinosaur!

I'll let you guys know the outcome if/when I figure this out...

Michael

[This message has been edited by VanMac (edited 01-29-2000).]

[VanMac]

Scotter, you da man!

I downloaded a handy boot-disk utility from Western Digital, and it worked like a charm!

Many thanks! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Michael

[scotter]

I've got a copy of every diagnostic utlility for hard drives I can find when it comes to fixing and or formating hard drives using the programs from the manufacture is about the best way to go and for getting rid of boot virus's and old partitions ZERO filling a hard drive wipes it all clean. Make's the words clean install really mean clean install http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm glad I could help and that it worked for you http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Wormo]

Who isnt a DOS expert? LOL!!!

[bdunn]

If you do go back and re-install doublespace make yourself a bootable compresses dloppy. It will save you a lot of grief.

[alan]

i could mail you ibm disk manager if you want
copy it onto floppy boot with system disk 'n' hey presto
alan http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Seeker9x]

You must format the drive. It's a good idea to format a hard drive every year or so anyway. The magnetic image definitely doesn't last forever. When it gets too weak, you lost data. Formatting it will also get rid of the offending software.

Good Luck, Jeff