How To Format A Hard Drive Windows 7

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In Windows vii, you tin format your C drive without being required to format all the other deejay drives, or partitions, on your estimator. The Windows 7 installation disc that was included with your computer at the time of purchase will allow you lot to format the C bulldoze and erase all your settings, files, and programs on that division. To format your C drive, y'all tin can save and support your files and programs to an external disc before using the Windows 7 installation discs to complete the formatting procedure.

Things You Should Know

The Windows 7 installation disc that came with your computer can be used to format your chief hard drive.
If yous don't have a Windows 7 installation disc, you can infringe one or go one from your PC manufacturer.
After formatting your C drive, yous'll be able to reinstall Windows 7 or your preferred operating system.

Steps

1
Back up and save your files. Formatting the C drive will erase all files, programs, and information saved on the C bulldoze, so you may want to back upwards whatever files yous desire saved.
- Save your files to an external hard drive or disc, or save your files to another folder on the network, if applicable.
ii
Obtain your figurer name if connected to a network. Later your C drive has been formatted, you may be prompted for your computer name during the installation process in order to reconnect to the network.
- Go to your computer's "Start" menu, right-click on "Computer," so select "Backdrop" from the carte du jour that appears. Your figurer name will be shown below "Calculator proper noun, domain, and workgroup settings."
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3

Insert the Windows vii installation disc. In some cases, y'all may accept the Windows vii installation programme saved on a Universal Serial Bus (USB) wink drive, which can besides exist inserted.
4
Turn off your reckoner. Your estimator will have to reboot in gild to read the Windows vii installation disc.
- Open up your "Start" carte, and so click on "Shut Down."
5

Power on your computer. When your computer powers back on, information technology will read the installation disc and begin the formatting procedure.
6
Format your C drive. After the reckoner has recognized the installation disc, you lot volition be prompted to press whatsoever central on your keyboard to continue. The installation magician will and then appear on your screen.
- Select your language from the "Install Windows" folio, then click on "Next" to go on.
- Read and review the Windows 7 license terms. In order to proceed to the next screen, you will be required to place a check mark in the box next to "I accept the license terms."
- Select "Custom" when prompted to indicated the blazon of installation you desire to perform.
- Select "Drive options (avant-garde)" when asked where yous want Windows installed. Choosing this selection will allow you to select the C drive as the but drive you want to format.
- Click on your "C" disk drive when Windows asks which sectionalisation you want to "change," or install. Your reckoner will then begin formatting, or erasing, all the information currently existing on your C drive. Windows volition notify you when the formatting procedure has finished.
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Re-install Windows 7 on your C drive. Afterward your C drive has been formatted, you will be required to re-install Windows 7 to that division. Click on "Next" later Windows has notified you lot that the formatting procedure has completed. The Windows installation wizard will continue to walk you through the installation process. Y'all will be prompted for your computer name if yous are connected to a network, and for data such as your user name.
8

Restore your saved files. Afterward Windows has completed the installation process, you lot can insert your external hard bulldoze or disc into the computer to restore your files back to the C drive.

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Add New Question

Question

Is it possible to format the drive and not lose any data?

No. Formatting removes all data from the drive for a make clean install. Earlier formatting, you lot will need to back up your data to removable media, a second difficult bulldoze, or the cloud.
Question

Will formatting the C drive remove a virus from my system?

Jonathan Hickey

Community Answer

Aye, and it will too remove the entire Windows operating system, so I would not recommend doing this unless absolutely necessary.
Question

How do I format Windows XP?

Windows XP does not have a format option. You volition to have to manually clean the PC yourself, or apply a cleaning tool, such as CCleaner.
Question

How do I back upwards my files before formatting the C drive?

Apply a backup software program.
Question

How practice I format my C bulldoze when it has a virus?

Correct-click the C drive and there should be an option to format it. If there is no pick, right-click the C drive and choose "Properties." One of the tabs should take an option to format the drive.
Question

How do I format a organization(laptop/reckoner)?

On Windows systems, you lot should be able to get to the command panel and computer restoration settings to re-image the device. Yous may have to click on advanced settings for the choice to appear. Information technology usually depends on what operating system you are using.
Question

Practise I really need Windows 7 on a USB or disk to do this?

Yes. If you want to reinstall it that is. If you choose another Os, yous'll need the same installation deejay/USB of the corresponding OS.
Question

Will formatting the C bulldoze erase the data on the other drives in my PC?

No, it shouldn't.
Question

Will formatting Windows 7 erase my license fundamental? Will I have to buy a new one?

If you bought your PC pre-built, yous volition more than likely accept an OEM license, which means you need to ensure you lot accept a product key and installation media prepare (ordinarily a memory stick/CD). If you bought Windows yourself, just reuse the installation media and fundamental equally earlier. Because the hardware in the system is nearly identical, Microsoft will identity this and allow yous to reactivate Windows. Alternatively, you can manually conciliate your key so it can be used again.
Question

Tin can formatting the C bulldoze affect my USB ports?

No, your motherboard BIOS should understand how to boot from USB ports. If you are having bug after you accept installed Windows so it may exist y'all don't have the correct drivers installed for your motherboard (refer to the manufacturers notes to see what your motherboard is). You should be able to find the well-nigh up-to-date drivers on their website.

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Video

You may want to connect to the Internet earlier yous restore your backup files to the C drive. Connecting to the Internet may prompt y'all to update or download new drivers for the applications and programs you are re-installing.

About This Article

Commodity Summary Ten

1. Insert a Windows seven install disc or bulldoze.
2. Reboot the PC.
3. Press any central to boot from the disc or drive.
4. Select a language and click Adjacent.
5. Click Install Now.
6. Have the terms and click Next.
7. Become to Custom (Advanced) > Drive options (Advanced).
8. Select the bulldoze and click Format.

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