Problem Reformatting D: (Windows cannot format this drive).

[McGeezy]

It's been a while since I did a wipe of my computer and I am pretty sure I've gathered a few viruses, missing some files and it is just overall running a lot slower. I have my Windows 7 disc and want to do a restore onto my SDD, but first I want to get rid of everything on my HDD, which is my D:. I've done searchers and came across a few "solutions" but these did not work for me, some of the errors I've been getting:

When I go into disk management, format is grayed out.

When I use diskpart it says:
Virtual Disk Service error: Delete is not allowed on the current boot, system, pagefile, crashdump, or hibernation volume.

When I try to format from My Computer it says it cannot and to quit any disk utilities.

Any ideas on what to do for this? Thanks.

 

[AddRAM]

Use Partition Wizard Bootable CD. Download the iso file and burn it to a cd, use Imgburn. Boot from the cd and delete the partition you`re are trying to format. Recreate it if you want. The disc never fails.

Partition Wizard Bootable CD allows user to manage partition directly with partition manager bootable CD.

The Official ImgBurn Website

Any questions ask.

http://www.partitionwizard.com/help/delete-partition.html

Make this cd, it is an awesome tool.

 

[Kaktussoft]

post screenshot of diskmanagement

 

[gregrocker]

Are you under some impression that formatting is the actual reinstall of the OS? Formatting is a step during Factory Recovery or Clean Reinstall which doesn't even need to be done by the user.

To Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 boot the installer, select Custom Install, use Drive Options to delete all partitions not needed, repartition as needed and click Next and the installer will do it all for you. Or just delete all partitions and click Next to start install.

Here are Factory Recovery methods. Tell us your model if you want a more in depth tutorial.
We have a tutorial which covers multiple methods like the above one but I can't seem to find it. Anyone know where it is?
http://www.w7forums.com/windows-7-recovery-partition-t4534.html

 

[sectionate]

If your machine isnt custom try using the cd that came with it