partitions

For a FAT32 volume (Windows 9X or Me)
Boot from a startup disk and run the following commands at the DOS prompt:

fdisk /mbr
(this rebuilds the master boot record)
Then, run fdisk
You can delete partitions then add and create partitions as desired.

For more information, take a look at the links at
www.fdisk.com/fdisk

There are a couple of good articles on partitioning at www.aumha.org

NOTE: fdisk is limited to drives with less than 137GB capacity.

Also, the MBR switch will remove most drive overlay utilities.

Chas

Give a try with Debug script on the following website.

http://tinyurl.com/pa1x

Pay attention to the ?Erase all HDD Information?.

This script will wipe out any partitions in a HD including Fat (16 and 32), NTFS, Linux, and others.
As soon as you enter the last command, it executes on the fly, meaning it takes only a few seconds to accomplish the job.

I have a batch program so it runs with one command.
If you need more information or help, please post a comment.

You can also use the disk that came with the Hard Drive.
There usually is a utility to "Zero Fill" the Hard Drive.
This is how the disk arrives from the factory. (With Zeros written everywhere.)
The CHS information, etc. is in the firmware.
Regards, Chris