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View Full Version : Formatting a H.Drive?

mike cc
12-05-2004, 07:00 AM
Can some one give me a step by step guide on how to format a lap top hard drive?....never formatted before & dont know what to look for/expect cheers mike:)
PhilEnfield
12-05-2004, 07:20 AM
If you are going to install XP, you can do it all from the XP installation routine.
Just boot with the XP CD in the drive and follow the screen prompts. You may need to alter BIOS settings to make CD-ROM or DVD-ROM your 1st Boot device.


If the HDD is greater than 120gb hovever, report back first, as there are other considerations you need to know.
MasterMind
12-05-2004, 07:27 AM
http://kadaitcha.cx/format.html
mike cc
12-05-2004, 09:59 AM
Yes i am installing XP the HD is brand new, i dont need to partition & its 30 GB:)
Van Nugent
12-05-2004, 10:42 AM
When you run WinXP installation, it will give you the options to format the drive either in fast/full NTFS or FAT32. If the drive has already been formatted, you'll also have the option to leave it as is (no formatting). Since this is a new HDD, you should do a full NTFS format. After the setup finishes formatting the HDD, it will start the file copying process for the OS installation.
Neo
12-05-2004, 10:45 AM
How do you expect to use your hard drive, or even install windows on it if you don't partition it? Do as phil said and just format/partition it with the windows xp installation.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=313348

edit: seems like we posted this at the same time van
richskie
12-05-2004, 11:18 AM
How do you expect to use your hard drive, or even install windows on it if you don't partition it?
I think he means that he doesn't want multiple partitions.
mike cc
12-06-2004, 06:01 AM
Partition? as i said in my post i have never formatted before & therefore dont know what to look for/ expect ...but the info & the links so for has been helpfull ...I will be installing the H.D on wednesday
PhilEnfield
12-06-2004, 07:01 AM
OK ... if the drive is brand new, it will need to be partioned first, before you can format it.

If you boot from the Windows XP CD, as mentioned above,this will take care of everything for you ..... you just follow the prompts and create one partition (30gb).

You can if you wish, partition it and format it first, but there is no need really.

One other thing to check is .... make sure the jumper on your new drive is set to MASTER ..... there should be a diagram on the drive or in the supporting paperwork, showing jumper positions.