Do you need to format a new primary hdd before installing windows?

Big Angry Norman · Sep 6, 2013

Hello friends i have tried researching but i am finding conflicting responses, straight to the point, i get a new primary hdd tomorrow to replace one which is failing to boot, do i need to slave it first on another system and format it or can i just put the new hard drive into the laptop without formatting and hope the OS finds the drive and allows me to install windows? I know the install formats the drive but if the hdd is blank does it even contain a file system? i dont think windows will even see the drive to allow an install if it doesn't contain a file system.

ACTechy · Sep 6, 2013

Just throw the drive in, boot from disc, install Windows, and you'll be golden. You don't need to mess with it first.

Dark Lord of Tech · Sep 6, 2013

To install Windows 7 using the Custom option and formatting the hard disk

To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.

Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.

Restart your computer.

Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.

On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.

If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.

On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.

On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced).

Click the partition that you want to change, click the formatting option you want to perform, and then follow the instructions.

When you've finished formatting, click Next.

Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/installing-and-reinstalling-windows-7

Big Angry Norman · Sep 7, 2013

Thanks guys!

MrBalisticNinja · Dec 25, 2014

I Keep getting failure to format hdd error

Search

Do you need to format a new primary hdd before installing windows?

Big Angry Norman

Honorable

ACTechy

ACTechy

Distinguished

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator

Big Angry Norman

Honorable

MrBalisticNinja

Reputable

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page