Can I format my overstuffed C: drive from within windows?

Answer 1

You won't be able to format the C drive when in Windows as Windows will be using the drive at the same time.

Your best option is to save documents, pictures, music, etc (basically anything you want to keep) off to CD or DVD and then format the C drive.

If you are using Windows XP, you can set your computer to boot from the CD drive in the BIOS, and then boot the PC using the WIndows XP install disk.
This way, you will be able to wipe the drive and install Windows.

Once all this is done, you can copy your documents back onto the disk.

Answer 2

I think you can, by right clicking on your C drive and click format. But I would highly highly suggest not doing it that way. Your best bet is to follow these steps..

It's pretty easy. In fact Microsoft has done a nice job of taking all the pain out of wiping the hard drive and reinstalling XP. Pop your Windows XP disk in the CD ROM drive and wait for the installation menu to come up.

Choose "Install Windows XP" then it will go into a new screen that lists a bunch of steps. From the from the pulldown menu choose "New Installation (Advanced)" and let the software do the rest.

It will wipe out all the data on your hard drive and put a fresh copy of Windows XP on the system.

There is some evidence however that the XP installer program does not wipe the drive completely.

Answer 3

No, you can't reformat a hard drive that's being used by the operating system while you're using the operating system. The only way to format the drive is while you're using another operating system, like Linux or DOS, either of which must be in the RAM or on another hard drive.

If you require additional assistance, email me at [e-mail]

Answer 4

if u format c: drive, will mean that u will erase windows also , for low level format (not totally ) , in windown explorer , right click the c dirve and choose format

for high level format - completely format - the go to command and prompt only - type : c:\format c:\q