Computer and Software Support


 Delpart

Should I Delete the partition or just format the drive?

The following will permanently delete all data on drive. Make sure you back up any data you want to save before continuing.

To delete the partition, do the following.

  1. Insert a boot disk ( Click here for instructions on a boot disk.)
  2. Make sure Delpart.exe is on the boot disk, or other disk that is accessible in DOS. Click here to download the file.
  3. Unplug power cord from back of system
  4. Unplug Printer, scanners, and cameras from system
  5. Push power button (on front of computer) in for 5 seconds to discharge power
  6. Plug power cord back in.
  7. Turn system on
  8. Boot into the BIOS of your system (varies depending on the system. Consult your computer manufacturer on how to enter your BIOS)
  9. Set your system to boot off the floppy or the CD-ROM depending on how you want to boot the system.
    1. If your booting to a bootable floppy then set it to boot to floppy.
    2. If it is a CD then set it to boot to the CD
  10. Boot to the dos prompt with the boot device of your choice.
  11. At the prompt, type delpart
  12. Press Enter
   
  • You will get a warning message
  •   delpart1.jpg  
    1. Press Enter
         
    2. There will be a list of partitions available.
    3. Highlight the partition you want to delete.
      delpart1a.jpg  
    1. Press the Delete key
     
  • Press Y
  • delpart2.jpg  
    1. Press Enter
         
      1. Repeat steps 14 through 16 till all partitions are gone
      delpart2a.jpg  
    1. Once all the partitions are deleted that you want deleted, Press the Alt Key and the Letter F key
    2. Highlight Save
    3. Press Enter
         
    4. Press Y
      delpart4.jpg  
    1. Press Enter
         
    2. Press Alt key and Letter F Key
    3. Highlight Exit
    delpart5.jpg  
    1. Press Enter
         
    2. Click on reinstall for operating system reinstall

     

    If you would prefer to use a different utility to delete the partition, you can use Gparted. Click here to go to their website.