How to Format Your Hard Disk in MS DOS

MS-DOS uses a command line interface.

MS-DOS is an older Microsoft disk operating system that is included with the Windows operating system. It is a command line interface that allows you to make changes to your computer using different commands. It differs from a graphical user interface operating system in that you must type in syntax to perform a function. You can format your hard disk in MS-DOS by using the "Format" command.

Things You'll Need

• MS-DOS boot disk

Instructions

1. Turn on your computer and insert an MS-DOS boot disk into your computer's CD-ROM drive. You must boot from the disk to format your main hard drive. See "Resources" for a link to download and create an MS-DOS boot disk.

2. Restart your computer. When the computer starts up again, you will see a prompt saying "Press any key to boot from CD." Press any key on your keyboard in order to boot from the MS-DOS boot disk. The command line will open on your computer.

3. Write down all of the formatting information on a piece of paper before typing in any syntax. Your hard disk probably has the drive letter "C." Also, you probably want to format the drive into the "NTFS" file system. Most newer Windows computers use this file system.

4. Type "FORMAT" into MS-DOS when you're ready to type in the syntax and format your hard disk. Do not press any other keys on the keyboard because you'll need to add more syntax to complete the formatting command.

5. Specify the drive letter of the disk to format followed by a colon. In most instances, this is the "C" drive. Therefore, your syntax should now look like this: FORMAT C:

6. Specify a file system. You'll probably want to choose "NTFS," but if you want an older file system, you can choose "FAT" or "FAT32." Your syntax should now look like the following:

   FORMAT C: [/FS:NTFS]

   This example formats the "C" drive in the NTFS file system.

7. Press "Enter" on your keyboard, and the hard disk will be formatted based on your specifications.

Tips & Warnings

• If your computer doesn't automatically boot from the MS-DOS boot disk, you may need to change your BIOS settings. To do this, restart your computer and look for a message on the screen telling you the key to press to enter "Settings/Setup/Configuration." This is often "F2, "F12" or "DEL." Press the key to enter the BIOS setting and change the boot order.

• Formatting your drive erases all data from the drive, including your Windows operating system.

References

• Windowsvistauserguide.com: Command line format
• Computerhope.com: MS DOS
• Computerhope.com: How to get to a MS-DOS prompt
• Illinois.edu: Booting from a CD

Resources

• Bootdisk.com