Partition Magic error!

[-Vormav-]

I'm not sure what the problem could be...but at least for formatting, you could just download the windows98 bootdisk (yes, you'll want this one even if using winxp) from bootdisk.com. Use that when you bootup, and you should be able to get into fdisk and remove your partitions from there..and of course, the windows installer should let you reformat from there.
At least, that was the easiest way for me when I had to reformat my winxp harddrive.

[Ordibble-Plop]

What file system were you using on the hard drive? If it was NTFS and you are running fdisk from a floppy, you may need to get the NTFSDOS drivers to get it running (if it ws NTFS, it is likely the Win98 boot disk mentioned won't work without this). (Link to NTFSDOS.exe download (http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/NTFSDOS.shtml) - bottom of page)



In case you don't have the PM8 CD here's a cut-and-paste of the error messsages (there is no listing for error #4). Given you aren't able to even get into PM they probably won't be too helpful.

#113 Partitions overlap
The hard disk partition table contains erroneous values. If data partitions overlap,
writing to one may destroy data in another.
This error is sometimes the result of an OS/2 FDISK bug. If free space exists
within the extended partition, OS/2’s FDISK program allows a primary partition
to be created that overlaps the extended partition. A logical partition is
subsequently created in the space occupied by the overlapping primary partition.
If a primary partition overlaps the end of the extended partition but does not
overlap any logical partitions within the extended partition, the problem can be
remedied by patching the partition table. Only qualified individuals should
attempt this repair! An incorrect patch could destroy all data on the hard
disk! In most instances, you should resolve the problem as explained in
“Resolving Partition Table Errors” on page 126.

Resolving Partition Table Errors (pg 126)
Partition table errors are errors in the 100 - 199 range. In most cases, you must resolve
partition table errors by creating new, error-free partition tables. The general steps are: (1) ensure you have no viruses (see below), (2) back up the data on the affected partitions, (3) delete the partitions, (4) recreate them, and (5) restore their contents. You may need to use the FDISK program from a recent DOS version, as earlier versions may refuse to delete HPFS or hidden partitions, and the OS/2 FDISK program may recognize the partition’s corruption and refuse to modify it. In some cases, you can resolve partition table errors manually. Run PartitionInfo to determine the errors on your partitions. PowerQuest technical support can help resolve partition table errors if you e-mail the PartitionInfo report to help@powerquest.com. Refer to “Generating Diagnostic Reports with PartitionInfo” on page 127 for additional information about PartitionInfo.

[-Vormav-]

I actually think that the windows 98 bootdisks at bootdisk.com have ntsf support included. But its been so long since I went through that...you might be right.

You could also try going into your bios and changing the boot sequence so that your cd rom has the highest priority at bootup, and that should make your computer recognize the cd just fine. Mine still had problems with this whenever an operating system was present on my harddrive...but if it works for you, then that's probably the easiest way to do it.

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