How to format a hard drive?

Pro_Tactics · Jan 25, 2016

OK so my pc is running out of space. I currently have a 1tb hdd and i have a extra 750gb one laying around. I got this from someone else so it may have windows and files etc on it. Can i still install this hardrive or can i not. I dont want to harm my current computer.

My specs:

i5 4690k
GTX 970 4GB
MSI Z97s krait edition
1tb seagate barracuda
EVGA 650w gold supernova

Thanks

Wolfshadw · Jan 25, 2016

You should be able to install it without issue. Once installed and Windows booted normally, you should see the drive listed in Windows Explorer. Right-click on the drive and select format (make sure you select the correct drive).

-Wolf sends

Gingerbread · Jan 25, 2016

If you install this hard drive you can just right click>format it, since you will boot from your original Operation system on your C: and the new hard drive will be labeled with something else, so you can format it.

USAFRet · Jan 25, 2016

Sure.
Ensure your current drive is first in the boot order
Connect this new drive
Power up
Go into Disk Management
In the bottom portion of Disk Management, identify that drive. (Be absolutely sure you know which drive you are selecting)
Right click on each partition on it
Delete
You will eventually be left with one large space
Create a single partition
Format, and give it a drive letter

Wayfall · Jan 25, 2016

Simple.

You have one HDD that has the OS and should be plugged into the master SATA port on your MOBO be it 0 or 1 depends on the board. Plug the spare HDD into the next SATA port and load up your pc.

As long as you haven't got another copy of windows on the spare you should be fine, i mention this as the motherboard will usually ask which want you want to boot from and just has a list of two window 7 for example but doesn't say which storage device it is which is cruddy.

But anyway if all is good it should load to windows from your master HDD and your spare should show up in the my computer window.

Simply right click and click quick format, then click the default button so it corrects it to your HDD and then click format.

It will be pretty quick as a hard drive will just set everything to be allow to be written over. Then reboot and you have a clean hard drive, you should always reboot after deleting a huge amount of data.

USAFRet · Jan 25, 2016

NOTE: Just 'formatting it' leaves behind the boot partition. You want to get rid of that as well.
You do this in Disk Management.

Wayfall · Jan 25, 2016

Ye i have not partition on the HDD (I have an SSD brand new with OS put on it and the HDD was wiped after i got my SSD sorted out) i knew it wouldn't have a partion after i wiped it but i checked anyway and it showed my hard dive was fine

Search

How to format a hard drive?

Pro_Tactics

Reputable

USAFRet

Wolfshadw

Titan

Gingerbread

Judicious

USAFRet

Titan

Wayfall

Splendid

USAFRet

Titan

Wayfall

Splendid

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page