Trouble Formatting a C Drive

Format the C drive on a hard drive.

Most computers use the C drive as a base for all operating system files. Formatting, or erasing the file system on a drive, enables users to install a new operating system. A few types of problems can prevent a computer from formatting the C drive. Access problems, or limited file authorization on a drive, will prevent the formatting process from beginning. If a drive begins to format, but the process fails midway, then the problem is not in accessing the drive or authorization. Faulty hardware or software can create problems during the formatting process.

Instructions

1. Install formatting software on an external drive or separate boot partition. Most formatting programs are on external drives, such as a USB drive or CD. All Windows installation disks include this software, and will allow users to format a drive, regardless of whether or not the operating system is to be installed. To install a formatting program on a blank CD, burn it as an .ISO file with an ISO burning program. To install the program on a USB stick, simply right-click on the installation file of the program and choose "send to..," and then select the USB drive.

2. Shut the computer down and insert the USB stick or CD containing the formatting software. Power the computer back on and verify that the formatting software loads, instead of the operating system. If the operating system loads, the boot options will need to be changed. Turn the computer back off and on again, pressing the F6 key before Windows loads. This will bring up a boot option menu. Select the USB or CD drive to load the formatting software.

3. Confirm that access is not blocked to the C drive by beginning the formatting process. If an authorization failure message comes up, the drive may be locked by the computer administrator. Enter the administrator password to continue. If the formatting process begins and fails midway, the hard-drive may be faulty. Try creating or using another disk with a different formatting program. Another failure in the process, with the new formatting disk, most likely indicates a failing hard drive. Failing hard drives often click and make unusually loud noises during booting or regular use. If the second program is able to format the drive, the problem was with the disk or software. If a USB device was being used, try loading the second program onto the disk to confirm that it is functioning.

Tips & Warnings

• To format computer drives for donation, try using a low-level formatting program. Standard formatting software leaves many files recoverable.

• Formatting the C drive will delete any files on the drive. Make sure that a new operating system is available for installation to make the drive functional after formatting.

References

• Windows: Create and Format a Hard Disk Partition
• Windows: Formatting Disks and Drives
• Windows: Comparing NTFS and FAT File Systems

Resources

• Windows: Upgrading to Windows 7: Frequently Asked Questions