How do i format a hard drive?

Question

I have a new laptop and i have to format the hard drive, how do i do this?

Also can you give me a quick guide of what i need to do from when i open my package to when i can fully use my laptop?

Answer 1

if you have a NEW laptop, one thing you don't do is format the hard drive.

Just turn it on. Depending on the loaded operating system, Windows or Mac, it will come up to the appropraite desktop and be ready to use.

Answer 2

since u HAVE to format the drive, first i suggest u back up whatevr imp. docs. or software that u need on a cd . also make sure that u have a copy of an operating system at hand.

to format the hard disk u have to enter the command prompt. restart ure laptop and immediately keep pressing F8, u then get a line of choices , choose the COMMAND PROMPT

once u enter the command prompt , (looks like this)

c:\>

enter the drive letters u want to FORMAT , (if u have two drives C & D then like this)

c:\>cd d: (to enter the D drive)

d:\> format c: (to format C drive)

follow the same for FORMATTING the C drive

in this way ure drives will be formatted

after this enter the windows xp cd and then just follow the instructions its self explanatory , once evrythings completed , ure laptops ready to use

Answer 3

Why do you think you have to format the hard drive. Laptops RARELY come without an operating system (some version of Windows)

Answer 4

whatever you do DO NOT format your hard drive,format means"to wipe all data off your drive" which basically means your laptop will be knackered
when you open the packaging for your laptop,just follow the instructions supplied,and make sure you fully charge your batttery before first use
once charged just install required software and enjoy,dont worry,its easy

Answer 5

You will find that your software is pre installed on your lap top so will not let you uninstall it
The following is the usual way to do a system restore
Start the computer in safe mode open windows explorer click on tools on the menu bar at the top/folder options/view/select show hidden files/untickbox hide protected operating system files you will see the hidden folders on your system then look for a folder in windows named options or preinstall if you have this open the folder and click on the setup.exe file windows will then reinstall itself at the instalation screen when it reboots pick repair windows leave file system as it is this will re install windows but leave your files as they are on the computer you will still need your serial number to re install this will be on the lap top or in your user manual front or back cover ,straight after

Answer 6

If you're running windows xp just have the installation cd ready and read this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=313348
On Linux you can format the hdd with the mkfs command after unmounting the drive. Here is how:
http://www.linux.com/howtos/Hard-Disk-Upgrade/format.shtml

Answer 7

the guy with the domicile windows ninety 8 disk might desire to understand the thank you to format the annoying force they are going to might desire to have or have the potential to make a ninety 8 start up up disk,or you may desire to call and order a clean disk for the computing device you have,I even have had to try this.