How to Format a New Drive in Windows 7

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In Windows 7, you can format your C drive without being required to format all the other disk drives, or partitions, on your computer. The Windows 7 installation disc that was included with your computer at the time of purchase will allow you to format the C drive and erase all your settings, files, and programs on that partition. To format your C drive, you can save and back up your files and programs to an external disc before using the Windows 7 installation discs to complete the formatting procedure.

Steps

1. 1

   Back up and save your files. Formatting the C drive will erase all files, programs, and information saved on the C drive, so you may want to back up any files you want saved.

   • Save your files to an external hard drive or disc, or save your files to another folder on the network, if applicable.

2. 2

   Obtain your computer name if connected to a network. After 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," then select "Properties" from the menu that appears. Your computer name will be shown below "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings."

3. 3

   Insert the Windows 7 installation disc. In some cases, you may have the Windows 7 installation program saved on a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive, which can also be inserted.

4. 4

   Turn off your computer. Your computer will have to reboot in order to read the Windows 7 installation disc.

   • Open your "Start" menu, then click on "Shut Down."

5. 5

   Power on your computer. When your computer powers back on, it will read the installation disc and begin the formatting process.

6. 6

   Format your C drive. After the computer has recognized the installation disc, you will be prompted to press any key on your keyboard to continue. The installation wizard will then appear on your screen.

   • Select your language from the "Install Windows" page, then click on "Next" to proceed.
   • 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 type of installation you want to perform.
   • Select "Drive options (advanced)" when asked where you want Windows installed. Choosing this option will allow you to select the C drive as the only drive you want to format.
   • Click on your "C" disk drive when Windows asks which partition you want to "change," or install. Your computer will then begin formatting, or erasing, all the data currently existing on your C drive. Windows will notify you when the formatting procedure has finished.

7. 7

   Re-install Windows 7 on your C drive. After your C drive has been formatted, you will be required to re-install Windows 7 to that partition. Click on "Next" after Windows has notified you that the formatting procedure has completed. The Windows installation wizard will continue to walk you through the installation process. You will be prompted for your computer name if you are connected to a network, and for information such as your user name.

8. 8

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

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 clean install. Before formatting, you will need to back up your data to removable media, a second hard drive, or the cloud.

• Question

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

  

  Jonathan Hickey

  Community Answer

  Yes, and it will also 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 will to have to manually clean the PC yourself, or use a cleaning tool, such as CCleaner.

• Question

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

  

  Use a backup software program.

• Question

  How do I format my C drive when it has a virus?

  

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

• Question

  How do I format a system(laptop/computer)?

  

  On Windows systems, you should be able to go to the control panel and computer restoration settings to re-image the device. You may have to click on advanced settings for the selection to appear. It usually depends on what operating system you are using.

• Question

  Do 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, you'll need the same installation disk/USB of the corresponding OS.

• Question

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

  

  No, it shouldn't.

• Question

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

  

  If you bought your PC pre-built, you will more than likely have an OEM license, which means you need to ensure you have a product key and installation media ready (usually a memory stick/CD). If you bought Windows yourself, just reuse the installation media and key as before. Because the hardware in the system is nearly identical, Microsoft will identity this and allow you to reactivate Windows. Alternatively, you can manually deactivate your key so it can be used again.

• Question

  Can formatting the C drive affect my USB ports?

  

  No, your motherboard BIOS should understand how to boot from USB ports. If you are having issues after you have installed Windows then it may be you 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 most up-to-date drivers on their website.

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

About This Article

Article SummaryX

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

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How to Format a New Drive in Windows 7

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Format-the-C-Drive-With-Windows-7

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