How to Reformat Your Hard Drive (on a Windows-Based Machine)

Your hard drive stores the majority of data and programs on your computer.

Almost all of the data that you save to your computer is stored on its hard drive. The operating system is also stored on the hard drive. By reformatting your hard drive, you permanently erase all of the data that is stored on it. This may be the only alternative you have in cases where you have to remove particularly malicious viruses or to fix particular programs within your system. Short of buying a new computer or installing a new hard drive, reformatting is a drastic but less expensive measure.

Things You'll Need

• CD, DVD or thumb drive
• Windows installation disc

Instructions

1. Back up all of the important data stored on your computer, including the programs. Remove or disconnect the device when finished.

2. Disconnect all network and Internet cables from your computer. Write down all of your settings and configurations, such as your display settings, security settings, manufacturer settings and Internet settings.

3. Insert your Windows installation disc into your computer's optical drive and reboot your machine.

4. Press any key and follow the onscreen instructions.

5. Click to select your language and other preferences. Click "Next."

6. Click to accept the license terms and then click "Next."

7. Click "Custom" when asked which type of installation you want.

8. Click "Drive options" when asked where you want to install Windows.

9. Click to select the partition you want to change and then click your formatting choice. Follow the onscreen instructions and click "Next."

10. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the reformatting process.

Tips & Warnings

• You cannot reformat a hard drive that is being used. Shut down all programs prior to reformatting your hard drive.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Create and Format a Hard Disk Partition
• Microsft Windows: Installing and Reinstalling Windows 7