How to Format a Disk for Programs

If you are having troubles with a particular hard disk or partition, unable to write data to the drive or access the programs, formatting the disk may be a necessary solution. Formatting a troubled disk completely erases the drive, removing any corrupt data sectors. Once you have formatted the disk, you must reinstall any programs on the disk. If possible, back up the data before formatting.

Instructions

1. Open the Windows Start menu, type "diskmgmt.msc" into the Search box and hit Enter. The Disk Management utility will open.

2. Right click the disk you wish to format and select "Format."

3. Set the desired format, "NTFS" is the default format for Windows system disks, "FAT32" is typical of removable storage drives (and accessible on Mac OS X systems). Enter a volume name and label.

4. Click "Format" to begin. Once complete, the disk has been formatted and all data has been erased. You must reinstall the programs to the disk.

References

• The Elder Geek: Computer Management
• The Elder Geek: Disk Management
• Windows Reference: How to Use Disk Management