how do i format my hard drive?!?

Question

and how can i make partitions instead of one for ex:
if it is only (C) 80 GB

I want to make also (D) and (E) and (F)
and each one of them 20GB

please explane to my step by step

i have got 2 computers one
and both are win XP and 4 partitions
when i tried to re-install windows xp for one of them
i inserted the xp cd the i restart and did the reinstallation it worked but it deleted all the files and partitions , now it became only one partition

according to the answers i need to get
a software to share the partition

now how about the other computer i want to make the format only for the (C) and keep the other 3 partition is there any way?
i

Answer 1

When you reinstall WinXP/2000, etc, it will prompt you to setup partition and format. Likewise with Linux.

Answer 2

If you are installing Windows XP, then insert the XP disk and turn on your computer. Answer yes to the license agreement and press F8 to continue with the setup.

Later in the setup you will get the opportunity to create partitions. This is where you can create your partitions. You tell the setup program the size of each partition.

When each partition is created you will have the opportunity to format it. Go ahead and have it format each partition.

The above is for a new installation of Windows XP. If your computer already has XP, then install the hard drive and reboot. Once the drive is installed and you are in Windows XP, go to Administrative tools located in the Control Panel.

Select Start>Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Computer Management. Once computer management is up, go down to "disk management." Here is where you can right-click on the right side of the panel of the display disk and add a new partion to the size that you want. Repeat this three times until you have the drives d,e, and f.

Answer 3

You can use third party software like Partition magic. But if you have already lost your files the easiest way is to reinstall XP.

after it has copied over the installation files you will get the option to repair or enter setup, choose to enter setup. Press ENTER

then press F8 to agree to the licence


Then you get the list of partitions to install onto.

At this point press d to delete the current partition
read the instructions to confirm, i think you have to press L or something.

you will then get the option to create a new partition.
if you choose the default size it will use the entire hard drive and give you 1 partition. if you type over the size you can create a smaller partition.
then choose to quick format it in NTFS.
then there will be unformatted space and one logical drive.
you can then create more partitions by repeating these steps. when all the space has been used you can choose which one to install on.

Choose the first one or you C drive will be a D drive.

Bobs your uncle!

Answer 4

You cannot partition your hard drive while within the operating system (o.s.), since partitioning erases/corrupts all files.
So take your o.s. cd & install your o.s. You will get instructions to format and create partitions on your way.
After inserting the cd, reboot (restart) your computer, while rebooting, you'll get a blinking message at the top to press any key. Follow it & you'll enter the setup procedure. On the way you'll get an option to format your hard drive & create partitions, as well as the option to determine their sizes. Do it and continue. When the o.s. is completely installed, you'll have partitions as opted by you.
ALTERNATIVELY, you'll have to buy a disk management software. Norton Partition Magic is good, but it sometimes goes awry with the folder options, etc. It's better to take a back-up of all your important documents, keep the cds of the installed software and hardware handy, and go for a fresh install.
Thanks; best of luck!

Answer 5

You can do this but it has to be with DOS. Its included with windows because they are one program now. Buy a dos book and look up partitions. and yes you can format one partition and only that partition. I could look it up for you if need be. But its better to look up dos maybe on the net and ask for dos partitioning. there is also a program called partition magic and it makes life so much easier. Take care Heather

Answer 6

You can format ur hard drive via DOS. This is the only way there r no partitions. To make partitions, u need a tool like Partition Magic, it is not the only way, but it sure beats all other ways where u hav to b a real whiz. U can download Partition Magic Trial at download.com

Answer 7

if u just waana format.. just right click on the hard drive and select the option format.. otherwise you want to insert the os cd in the cd rom... type fdisk.... it will give you three options.. press 3 to delete the drive.. 1st u should delete extended drives then logical drives and then c drive.. then return to the main menu and select the 2nd option .. partition.. u creat a main partition ..c drive..after doing it.. it will give more options.. in the options select.. logical .. and give the size as 100% .. then go back and select extended ,... and give the size as 33.3%.. the partition will take a few minutes

Answer 8

Hears a nice, easy tutorial that covers it all. Beats trying to type it all here and it even has pictures. This is also a great place for tutorial and articles for all things computer related. It's not hard at all, just pay attention and you'll be up and running in no time.
With the cost of HDs at an all time low, you might want to add an extra if it's just for storage. 250gb HDs are now in the +/- $100 US range and shrinking with the advent of larger HDs in the 850gb range. Just a thought.
Good luck.

Answer 9

OK if that is your main HD then you got to put the OS CD and then
run the option to format... if not then just open MY PC and right click
then just put format after it should give you the option to make the
partition during the format process if not again left click and properties and should see the option to create partitions.

Answer 10

If installing the operating system, set the bios to boot from cd and the installation will take care of the rest and it will prompt you to partition as you wish.