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glmoore001's avatar
glmoore001
Copper Contributor
May 26, 2020

Cannot access. C Drive

I was having some wierd glitches with my computer. I could no longer access the "properties" of any files, run as Administrator or print anything on my desktop from programs such as notepad and decid...
KapilArya's avatar
KapilArya
MVP

Hello,

 

What exactly happens now when you start the machine? After manufacturer's logo screen, what do you see?

If you use a bootable USB for fresh install, do you see the SSD partitions to install?

If you've not used bootable USB till now, you must create it using another system to try making clean install with that. While making clean install, you can format the drive first and then install Windows.

 

Regards.

glmoore001's avatar
glmoore001
Copper Contributor
May 26, 2020
If I try to boot from the drive, it eventually tries to repair and always fails.
The restore from Dell is a disk and it tried to install the first time, then failed and would not try again.
I have no way to make a windows 10 bootable drive because the only Win10 computer I have is the one that is broken. I tried to make a bootable media stick on my Windows 7 machine but it kept refusing to download because it was not compatible with my Win7 operating machine.
  • KapilArya's avatar
    KapilArya
    MVP
    May 27, 2020

    In that case, I would suggest you to take the machine to nearest computer repair shop and let the technician confirm that drive is not malfunctioned. If the drive is okay, technician can help you to get it formatted, so you can make clean install then. 

    Good luck!

    • glmoore001's avatar
      glmoore001
      Copper Contributor
      May 27, 2020
      Is there a command line I can use that will format the SSD drive C: ? The drive has no problems. The disk I purchased is for a fresh install. When I try to open anything with the DVD drive It gives me the option to use a command line. I prefer to try this first, I have done this with other operating systems, Just not Win 10.
      • glmoore001's avatar
        glmoore001
        Copper Contributor
        May 27, 2020
        If I disconnect all hard drives except my SSD. Go to CMD. Type in DISKPART. ENTER. Pick the drive. CLEAN. Will that remove all partitions or just clean the space between. Or
        Can I just type FORMAT/C: ?
        You can probably tell I know just enough to be dangerous. I think I can hurt very little else though if I disconnect all my other drives. I appreciate your help! Gary
    • glmoore001's avatar
      glmoore001
      Copper Contributor
      May 30, 2020

      KapilArya  I would prefer to do this with your help so I can learn something. Cant I wipe the drive from command line and start over with a fresh install disk?

      • KapilArya's avatar
        KapilArya
        MVP
        Jun 01, 2020

        Hi glmoore001,

         

        Yes, you can wipe drive using Command Prompt. Also, when you opt for clean install, the wizard gives you option to select and format drive on which you want to install Windows.

         

        If you can access Command Prompt, execute these commands (replace # with actual drive number):

         

        diskpart

        list disk

        select disk #

        clean

        create partition primary

        format fs=ntfs

         

        Once succeeded close Command Prompt. 

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