Reference number: CH000230

Insufficient memory error when formatting hard drive.

Issue:

Insufficient memory error when formatting hard drive.

Cause:

This issue can be caused by one of the below reasons.

1. Hard disk drive has no room to place system files or to backup data on hard disk drive in case the drive needs to be unformatted.
2. Master boot record is corrupted.
3. Partitions are corrupted or missing.
4. Hard disk drive is bad.

Solution:

Hard disk drive has no room to place system files or to backup data on hard disk drive in case the drive needs to be unformatted.

This issue is most commonly caused because the hard disk drive has no capacity to place information on the hard disk drive in case it needs to be unformatted. To resolve this issue run an unconditional format on the hard disk drive by typing the following at the MS-DOS prompt.

format c: /u <press enter> 

Master boot record is corrupted.

If, when running an unconditional format, you experience the same issue, it is possible that the master boot record may be corrupted. To resolve this issue, type the following at the MS-DOS prompt.

fdisk /mbr <press enter>
format c: /u <press enter>

Partitions are corrupted or missing.

If you continue to experience the same issues after attempting the above two suggestions it is recommended that you fdisk, delete the partitions and recreate the partitions then type at the MS-DOS prompt.

fdisk /mbr <press enter>
format c: /u <press enter>

Hard disk drive is bad.

Unfortunately, if none of the above recommendations resolve your issue it is likely that the hard disk drive is bad and it is recommended that it be replaced.