Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
"Volume in use" when trying to format most commonly means you're trying to format and erase the entire disk that has Windows on it.
The most common scenario for this is that the operating system itself is using the drive. For example you can't FORMAT C: if Windows itself resides on or is using C:. The only way to format a drive in use by the system is to reboot, usually from floppy, so the system isn't running. Be careful - this usually means you are wiping out your system - I'm assuming that's what you want.
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Article C1949 - May 25, 2004 « »
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
March 10, 2012 10:11 PM
Thank you, sound logical. I'll stop trying to format the c drive from within XP.
May 9, 2012 1:10 AM
but it says: a problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent you computer. check for viruses on your computer. remove any newly installed hard drives or hard drives controller ,, im using Windows Xp but my computer is booting when i try to format my computer its say that message always
November 23, 2012 1:20 PM
I'd like to thank you for your great effort answering all questions in a pretty simple rich info. keep it up...
February 14, 2013 1:26 PM
I am trying to reformat my Eee PC and it keeps telling me that it can't because value is in use. It does not have a CDROM drive so I'm not sure what to do. Any advice?
February 15, 2013 3:15 AM
@Nate
I have an EEE-PC and I've used 2 methods to reinstall the system
1. I used an external USB CD/DVD drive.
2. I created a bootable USB thumb drive and installed it from that.
How do I reinstall Windows without a CD drive?