How to Format C Without Using a Disk

Formatting a hard drive erases all files.

Formatting the C: hard drive on a Windows computer will erase all files held within that drive, leaving the computer as blank as the day you bought it. New PCs can come pre-packaged with CDs that format and reinstall all programs on your computer rather than using a boot disk that is sometimes required for new hard drives.

Instructions

1. Insert a Windows CD and select your CD-ROM drive. In this case, the C: drive. The drive will be specified as the PC boots up.

2. Type "cd c:" to select the drive during boot. If you are formatting another drive other than C:, type "cd" and then the letter name of that drive.

3. Type setup.exe to begin the Windows setup process. Windows will start the installation process from the CD rather than the boot disk that is required when formatting a new drive that hasn't been pre-formatted.

Tips & Warnings

• Back up all files on your PC to an external hard drive or other device before formatting.

References

• Basic Hardware: How To Format
• Web Tech Geek: Format a Computer Hard Drive or Pc Disc Drive