I need to reformat a hard drive without removing it from the computer

[thecreator89]

How would I do this
Its a windows 2000 pro
It got screwed up when We installed a CD burning software.
I restarted after installing, and there was a "unknown device" error. it was blue, but not the typical blue screen of death. This screen comes when the windows 2000 logo appears and the progress bar is abouut 60%. I need to reformat, but I don't have any of the drivers, and I don't have any other computer that I am allowed to tinker with. What do I have to do to reformat and Hopefully save the drivers, too?
thanks

[tesco]

What does removing the hard drive from your computer have to do with formatting and keeping old drivers.


anyway it would help if you told us the make and model, or specs, of the computer. if they are known parts then you could just download teh main drivers you need (sound, lan/modem, videocard, mobo drivers) then get the rest after installing windows 2000.

[Virtualbody1234]

If you format the drive you will lose all data including drivers. If you really think you need the drivers then you'll have to copy them off the drive before you format. Have you tried to boot into safemode?

[Spicker]

Tried google yet? Mr. Iceage.

[peat moss]

Tryed a repair install ?

[peat moss]

People worry to much about the drivers I think . You can find anything on the net.

[Damnatory]

People worry to much about the drivers I think . You can find anything on the net.

Yeah, I google most of the drivers I need.
Saves deskspace, no driver cd's!

[Virtualbody1234]

Yes most drivers are on the net but those who worry about them should have a backup of their drivers. It doesn't take long to burn a CD.

[Supernatural]

If you read his original post, he says he doesn't have another computer to get the drivers with. I agree with Peat Moss with trying a repair install.

[thecreator89]

The cd tray does not recognize any cd-- Xp, 2000, or any other bootable cd

This is an omnitech that my dad's office was throwing away-- its pretty decent-- 1ghz processor, (PIII), 128 RAM, 40 GB hd, low end video and sound cards.
I want to use it as my downloading computer.