How to format a hard drive in XP

In this guide I will show you how to format or reformat a hard drive. The main reasons someone would format a hard drive is if they are reinstalling an OS or erasing sensitive data. Before you do this, note that formatting a hard drive will erase all data.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Boot up PC with windows XP installation CD in CD-ROM Drive

2. Press any key when you see message that says "PRESS ANY KEY TO BOOT OFF CD"

3. If computer boots to CD correctly, you will see a BLUE screen which loads XP drivers.

4. Once drivers install, hit Enter or F8 to enter windows XP installation.

5. Hit 'D' to remove any current partitions you might have. Confirm with 'L' key.

6. Now hit 'C' to create new partition at which point it will ask you to format drive.

[rokapr]

on 9/21/2009 Omg please help!

I've just formatted my HDD alright. And the Windows loads up with no problem. And it asks me to do some setting just before finalizing the formatting. But both my keyboard and mouse wouldn't work! I can't press "next" button to go on. What should i do?

[mikewojo]

on 5/30/2009 I followed the instructions and in 2 hours I had a clean hard drive and XP reinstalled and back on-line in no time flat...THANK YOU VERY MUCH! That was the fastest and easiest I have ever done that. MY PC runs great now. I was just about to take it into the shop to have it done, but at the last second I Googled "format hard drive" and found this site. With the $$ I saved I bought myself a bottle and celebrated