How to Format a Computer Without a Windows CD

 

Formatting a computer hard drive is always a last ditch effort to pursue only when all other methods of attempting to fix a problem have failed. A formatted hard drive will be completely wiped of all data, including the operating system. The Microsoft Windows operating system comes with a built-in feature that allows you to format a hard drive without having to use a boot disc or installation CD.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Power the computer on and wait for the Microsoft Windows operating system to finish loading. Click on the "Windows" logo at the far left end of the bottom of the desktop to bring up the Start menu.
   • 2
     Click on the "Control Panel" link to bring up a new window full of options. Double-click on link at the top of the list named "Administrative Tools." Wait for a new box to pop up asking what action to take and click on "Continue."
   • 3
     The Computer Management Window

     Double-click the first link titled "Computer Management" and then again click on "Continue" when a box pops up. Wait for a new window to appear and then scroll down through the list of options on the left pane. Click on the plus sign next to the "Storage" option and then click on "Disk Management."
   • 4
     Find the hard drive you want to format in the list of drives in the center pane. Right-click on the drive and choose the "Format..." option from the new menu that will appear.
   • 5
     Formatting the Drive

     Choose the "NTFS" option from the drop-down menu labeled as "File System." Leave the "Allocation Size" option at "Default" and then click on the "OK" button to begin the formatting process.