how do you PROPERLY re-format a harddrive?

Answer 1

There are several ways. In ALL cases a format will REMOVE ALL programming.

If from Windows, see the manual for the correct procedure, as it varies slightly from version to version.

If a DOS disk is available, boot the DOS then at command prompt enter "fdisk", and then remove ALL partitions. (assuming you have more than one parition!)
Then reboot the DOS and at the command prompt enter "format C: /u", and yes the space before the "/u" IS necessary.
Reboot the DOS again and then enter "fdisk /mbr" to reset the boot sector. (Since there is NO OS this clears the sector.)

The above are called "high-level" formats, and are all you would NORMALLY need to do. "Low-level" formats are a more advanced type should be left to those who know EXACTLY what they are doing.

Answer 2

I found you have to remember any partitions, 3rd party format tools and so on. To get back to the max available single partition it is like peeling an onion by removing all those extra add-on software (if present). And then, deleting partitions. Using good old FDISK to get the final partition as one.

XP will format the drive after that. NTFS is the safest of the options as to format type (but the least friendly with sharing data with other OS). You can make new partitions after that going back to a 3rd party tool if you like.

Answer 3

Don't know about mac.
The way I do it is with f-disk out of dos. Set your bios if it is not already to boot from cd or floppy which ever you have available. F-disk used to be included in windows 2000 and before. Now I just download it onto cd from the internet. put it in and windows shouldn't even load you will just have a c prompt. format c and you will re-create partitions and such after you have deleted everything on your c drive. then reload windows. windows xp disk does it but i just do it out of dos.

Answer 4

I'm not sure if you're including a disk wipe to destroy data on an existing hard drive - then repartitioning and formatting it. I would always suggest wiping the drive before partitioning and formatting.

Here's a link to a 3.5" floppy hard disk wipe utility I offer on Yahoo! Auctions to perform this task > http://auctions.yahoo.com/i::99622348

There are many others you can find on the Internet.

Answer 5

If you have a bootable disk than go to bios & set up boot sequence from CD. Reboot after inserting boot CD in CD drive tray & afterwards follow the instruction correctly. If you find any problem mail me, I will be more than happy to let you everything of OS.

Answer 6

appropriate mr. CAPS, here's a achieveable answer... on the time your workstation starts up, there will be some message on reveal screen with innovations for working device setup (e.g. press F2 for setup.) do in basic terms that please. If there is not any message which you will discover, in basic terms press and carry any key from skill up and it rather is going to create a keyboard blunders. the choice to get in the setup would be attainable there. as quickly as in the setup, discover the area that asserts "Boot innovations" or "Boot gadget Order" Set the CD ROM to be the 1st boot gadget, observed by way of the not easypersistent. go out and keep to BIOS, efficiently restarting the device. be certain you place the XP disc interior of thepersistent. All going nicely you ought to be certain "Press any key besides from CD......" do in basic terms that :) while it gets going it rather is going to end at an innovations reveal screen asking what you elect to do. i might advise pressing "r" and using the restoration console first. the subsequent question it rather is going to ask is "% an setting up to paintings from..." Press "a million" and enter. it may ask for an administrator password. Please grant the password (or in basic terms press enter in case you're uncertain because it replaced into in all possibility left sparkling besides.) you ought to now see a command on the spot like: C:>_ variety here instructions: FIXMBR (this might replace the grasp boot checklist on your not easypersistent - say particular to any affirmation questions) FIXBOOT (this command will fix the boot sequence in yourpersistent. lower back conform to any confirmations.) ok now it rather is performed, variety go out and press enter. The device ought to reboot devoid of blunders (optimistically) and you will have prevented having to format and rebuild the device. desire THIS facilitates :)

Answer 7

via which dos / windows?
If dos at command prompt type in format c: /u
if in windows right click on my computer then right click on c: then sub-menu appear select format.

Answer 8

boot witht xp cd and follow instructions