How to Format Windows XP From the Command Prompt

Whether you want to reinstall Windows XP cleanly or start off fresh with a new Operating System (OS), it is sometimes necessary or preferable to format your hard drive. ("Formatting" means to cleanly erase all of the data on the hard drive.) Although newer operating systems such as Windows XP allow the option to format from within the OS, formatting can also be accomplished from the command prompt.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Operating System boot disc

1. Back up the data that is on the hard drive you want to format. Reformatting your hard drive will remove all of the data on the hard drive, so back up anything you want to keep.

2. Click "Start" on the lower left-hand corner of the screen while running Windows XP, and click "Run." This will open the "Run" prompt.

3. Enter "cmd" in the text field. Hit "Enter" or click "OK." This will open the DOS command prompt.

4. Type "format c:\" into the command prompt and hit "Enter." The computer will begin to format the hard drive.

5. Insert the disk which contains the Operating System you want to install onto your computer after the hard drive has reformatted. Install the OS.

Tips & Warnings

• On the command prompt, type "format /?" to see a list of formatting options. Reformat your hard drive occasionally in order to ensure that your computer runs as cleanly as possible.
• Only format your hard drive if you are sure you are comfortable removing all the data. Reformatting will remove all data on the hard drive.

Resources

• Reformat the Hard Drive--Microsoft