[jimboa]

I have a need to format a multi-partitioned hard drive from C++ code on an XP system. None of the IOCTL type calls seem to fit the bill from XP. I can create the partitions but I can't format them. Is there something I'm missing. If Windows can do it via the format command why can't I do it from code?

Thanks.

[lotuseclat79]

Hi jimboa,

Let's understand some context of what you are trying to do here first.

You are booted up in a WinXP system running a C++ compiler writing system code that has the task of creating and formatting a partition on the disk.

So far, you have created a partition with your C++ code.

As I understand your question - it is: How do I format a partition?

Q: Are you running your code from a SysAdmin account?

-- Tom

[jimboa]

The application is run under an account that is part of the Administrators group. It is fully privileged. Ultimately, the application will run as a service.

One of the many things this application is called on to do is create 4 partitions on a hard drive then format the partitions as FAT32 drives (not NTFS). I have identified IOCTL calls to format a floppy but the only calls I can find to format a hard drive are only available if you are running Server 2003; we are limited to Windows/XP.

J.

[pvc_]

This approach may seem kindda funny, but it may actually work. If it's a console application, you might be able to use system("format") or perhaps use a bat file.

[jimboa]

I don't know about 'funny' but it is a workaround. We have coded in a shell out to a batch file (we thought of that too) but we would prefer to do the format in code if at all possible.

J.

[lotuseclat79]

Hi jimboa,

It sounds like you may have to either add the ioctl code to the WinXP driver, or possibly get the Resource Kit for Server 2003 from the MS website.

-- Tom