How to Use Format to Format Disks
The Format command enables you to format hard disks and to create partitions.
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Instructions
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Format Your Disks Using the Format Tool
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Insert the startup disk into your computer's disk drive and start your computer.
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Select the "Start computer without CD-ROM support" option from the startup menu when you are formatting using a Windows 98 or higher system.
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Wait for the prompt, then enter the command "format c: / s." This command enables you to format what is known as the active partition. You may change the partition you wish to format by entering a different command at this prompt. To make changes to another drive on your hard disk, replace the "c" with another drive of your choice.
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Access formatting capabilities online if for some reason you cannot do so on your startup disk.
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Expect to see an error message if you utilize the Format.com tool. The message will inform you that all information on c: will be lost and will ask whether you want to proceed with the formatting.
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Click Y when asked if you want to proceed with Format. If formatting drive c: you can just hit ENTER, as this is the default.
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Enter a name for the drive if you choose to do so. You have up to 11 characters to use to rename your drive, or you may simply skip this step.
Learn How to Format a Second or Slave Hard Disk
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Check to see whether your file system is a FAT16 or FAT32 system. The way you format your disk will vary slightly depending on which file system you are using.
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Go to My Computer if you are using a FAT16 file system and locate the specific partition you want to format. Then choose Format-Full-Start, and you're all done. Click OK when you're finished.
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Format a FAT32 file system by going to the Accessories listed under Programs in the Start menu. Under Accessories you will find System Tools, then click Drive Converter. Specify FAT32 and click Enter.
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Locate the Drives and specify the one you want to convert. Hit Next, then OK, followed by Next three times. You're now done formatting and just need to click Finish. Your computer is now ready to use again.
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Tips & Warnings
Create necessary partitions before you try to use Format to format disks. You can visit Microsoft's support site to learn more about partitioning (see Resources below).
Resources
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Comments
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foni2k8
Apr 06, 2008
How many hard drive do you have and how many partitions are they in. If you Formated your hard drive(s) well, i dont think there should be any file remaining there. -
foni2k8
Apr 06, 2008
How many hard drive do you have and how many partitions are they in. If you Formated your hard drive(s) well, i dont think there should be any file remaining there.
