kazza-ga,
Here are the instructions for formatting your hard (C:) drive. Please
note that following these instructions will result in all data,
programs and Windows settings being lost(I'm assuming you're running
some version of the MS Windows operating system (O/S), but it doesn't
matter since your question is asking how to format your C: drive, not
how to reinstall whatever O/S you have after it has been
(re)-formatted, and this is indeed appropriate given the list price
for this Question).
If, after you have formatted your C: drive, you have additional
questions regarding how to re-install your O/S, I suggest you provide
details on your system and post a new Question pertaining to those
issues.
The steps below are, as your Question asks, how to format your hard
drive:
PREPARATION FOR FORMATTING YOUR HARD DISK DRIVE: Before formatting, do
the following:
a) back up all data you wish to keep onto external media (i.e.
floppy disks, CD's, ZIP disks, etc.--if you run out of discs, you can
even send an attached .ZIP file to yourself using your ISP (AOL,
etc.), but of course you will have a finite period of time to
permanently back up that data).
b) Go into Win Device Manager (if you are using Windows), and write
down the names of your specific devices, such as CD drives, video
cards, sound cards, etc.), so that if you need to locate the drivers
for them later to reinstall, you'll know what to look for.
c) Note that any programs you have now that you do not have the
installation disc(s) and/or Product Key codes for, you will not be
able to reinstall after you have formatted your C: drive and
reinstalled your O/S.
1. Get to a DOS C:> prompt, in DOS. (If you're using Windows, don't
select DOS Prompt from Start->Programs->MS DOS Prompt. Instead, go:
Start->Shut Down, and select "Restart in MS DOS Mode." Windows will
then shut down, and your system will restart in true DOS. You should
see:
C:> , the C prompt.
At this prompt, type the following,and hit Enter:
"FORMAT C: \S" (Note: the "\S" is necessary to set the HDD as the boot
drive).
The system will then prompt you to confirm the format operation. Hit
“Y,” or Enter, for "yes," and follow the on-screen directions. It will
take several minutes for the formatting to occur. That's all there is
to it.
If for some reason the formatting operation is unable to be carried
out, there may be a physical problem with your HDD, which the DOS
error message(s) will probably indicate. Write these error messages
down should you encounter them, as it will aid in fixing the problem
shold you need to contact professional technical help.
After you have formatted your hard drive, your computer will be
"clean," i.e., will have no O/S or programs installed in it, except
for your BIOS/CMOS settings.
At this point, you are now ready to re-install your O/S (or to install
a new or different O/S). Subsequently, you'll have to reinstall all
your applications, and then if desired, copy your data backup onto
your newly rebuilt system.
Mister1-ga's comment below provides a link to where you can obtain a
boot disc, should you need one.
Some general information on (re)-formatting HDD’s can be found here,
from the Samsung Electronics website, "Computers & related products:
hard disc drive: support" page:
http://www.samsungelectronics.com/hdd/support/user_guide/user_guide_05.html
Google search strategy:
Keywords, "formatting hard disc"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=formatting+hard+disc
Again, for questions pertaining to what to do AFTER you have formatted
your hard drive, you may feel free to post additional Questions.
Good luck in continuing your inquiries!
~omniiscientbeingg-ga |
