How to Deep Format a Hard Disk
Disk formatting is the process of removing all data and preparing it to be used by your operating system. When such a procedure is performed, your system allows it to store your files securely through the use of a file system. Moreover, a disk format must be partitioned so that your computer recognizes its proper capacity. Performing a thorough disk format may be achieved through several efficient steps.
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Instructions
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Right-click "My Computer" from the Start menu or your desktop and click "Manage." This will launch the Computer Management applet.
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Click "Disk Management" within the Storage section to the left. At the right pane you will see all available hard drives and disk partitions.
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Right-click the hard disk in question and Choose "Create New Partition." Once the setup wizard launches, click "Next."
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Select whether your hard drive will be formatted as a primary or an extended partition, and click "Next." If you plan to make the hard disk bootable by installing an operating system, choose the "Primary" option. Otherwise, select "Extended" if you only intend to store multimedia files and private data.
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Input the allocation size to be used. If you wish to use the hard drive's entire capacity as one single storage unit, leave the default size listed and click "Next." If you wish to create a partition by dividing the drives into separate sections, input a desired amount to be used within each section in question.
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Assign a disk drive letter and click "Next." Select the hard drive's file system from the options shown. NTFS is the standard file system used in modern computers, as it offers more stability and security features like file and folder permissions. Otherwise, select FAT or FAT32 if you own an older OS like Windows 95, Windows 98 or Millennium Edition.
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Input an optional volume label to the hard disk in question. Select "Format" from the check box available to thoroughly delete all data and inspect the disk for potential errors. Choose "Quick Format" if your hard drive is new and has had no data previously stored. Click "Next" and review the hard drive's settings. If satisfied, click "Finish" to initiate the formatting process.
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Tips & Warnings
It is wise to create drive partitions to keep your data more organized.
References
- Photo Credit hard disk drive image by BlueMiniu from Fotolia.com
