how do i format a hard drive with dos?

Answer 1

Yet another INCOMPLETE QUESTION WITH NO CONTEXT!

It would be helpful in providing you an answer knowing if:
1. The hard drive is new
2. The VERSION of DOS
3. The version of Windows that may have been on it before (assuming it is not new).

None of the answers posted before mine (unless they edit them after I post this) will work unless the drive is already partitioned. Hard drives do NOT come pre-partitioned. Further, DOS - if you are truly using DOS as in DOS 6.22 has a limit of a 2 GB partition. If the drive has already had an operating system installed, such as Windows NT, 2000, or XP, then the drive could well be formatted as NTFS - which Not even win98 DOS will see without third party software. You would have to remove the existing partition(s) and create new ones, then format them.

I would suggest you review some of the more detailed steps:
http://www.pcguide.com/proc/setup/hdd-c.html
http://www.5starsupport.com/tutorial/format.htm

Answer 2

You'll need a Win98 boot disk first. Insert it into the floppy drive and turn on the computer. When the POST (Power Operating System Test) has been completed you'll be in the DOS mode with c:\. Type at this command in C:\ fdisk; this will prime up the DOS command menus where you can select the number to enter for your choice. You may want to delete the DOS Sector and Primary and any other partitions on the hard drive. Don't worry its simple.

Answer 3

you should the two take a homestead windows ninety 8 boot disc and run the format application off there. even though it may be a lot much less stressful to easily plug thechronic into your XP device as a Slavechronic, and then use the outfitted in format application with the aid of XP. as quickly as thechronic is put in, and the pc is on, you in basic terms would desire to discover thechronic decrease than "My pc" then nicely suited click at thechronic. A menu will drop down and a variety of strategies is "format".

Answer 4

Depends on your O/S Win 2000 and older is format c:/ in the DOS prompt. Below is a forums thread from MajorGeeks.com I hope it helps ya a lil bit

Answer 5

If u installed ur OS on C drive, its very dangerous to format C drive. Boot ur machine with bootable floppy or CD . then format it

Answer 6

I recommend using the syntax:

format C: /U

The /U switch wipes the previous file allocation table and root directory. In other words, it wipes everything, and you wont be able to use the 'unformat' utility later.

Answer 7

format c: /s (the /s makes sure the system boot files are there)

Answer 8

format c:

Answer 9

format c:

I never thought I would see the day that I would have to tell someone that. I feel old.