How do I do a FULL format in Windows 7 command prompt

Vidya · 27 Nov 2011 at 19:52

Ok I want to fully format my hdd before I install windows on it, I hear you can by command prompt, at the minute I've got the command prompt up over the installation setup.

Can anyone tell me what commands I need to put in to fully reformat ( not quick format like the one built in to the installation disk)

my hdd is 1TB, I know it will take a very long time.

I think I need to delete partitions too and I'm not sure how to delete them/i dont know what my drive is classed as probably C: but since the command to reformat my hdd will probably require me to know it's volume size name etc could you tell me what commands I would need to put in to find out, thank you

stulid · 27 Nov 2011 at 19:55

Restart the PC.

Enter the BIOS.

Set the DVD drive to "first boot" device and HDD as second.

Restart PC with the windows disk in the drive.

Press any key to boot from disk.

Follow the oncreen instructions and do a custom install.

A little bit later you will get the option of where to install to and also Format/delete the partition wiping the data clean.

Then create a new partiton using the biggest value you can and let it do its thing.

Vidya · 27 Nov 2011 at 19:59

I know how to do that, I'm talking about a full format of the HDD using the command prompt by pressing shift + F10 during the install, the option where you get to format/delete only does quick formats

stulid · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:01

Doing what I said above will do a full format.
.

Vidya · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:02

no it doesn't, the one on the windows 7 install only does quick formats/deletes partitions

stulid · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:06

If you know so much about it, you would know that trying to format a HDD while it is in use by the OS isnt possible.

Vidya · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:08

its not in use by the OS, my computer is running off my windows 7 on my usb

robfosters · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:10

Why don't you write zero the drive?

Vidya · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:13

yeah, I don't know how to do it though, what's the commmand for it?

Also, I'm not sure what letter my drive is, how can I find out from a command

robfosters · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:15

I dont quite follow. Can you actually get into windows on your PC to run programs and the like?

bobbyspangles · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:15

Ok so you're on Windows 7 booted from your USB, can't you then go to Disk Management under CP>Administrative Tools and format your HDD that way?

Easier still just download boot and nuke and burn it to a disk

http://www.dban.org/

VaderDSL · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:17

Don't bother with the full format, it's a waste of time is it not?

Just use the quick format/re-partition tool during the initial install process, then you can be on your way to playing games/using Windows instead of gaffing around doing a full format

bobbyspangles · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:18

VaderDSL said:
Don't bother with the full format, it's a waste of time is it not?

Just use the quick format/re-partition tool during the initial install process, then you can be on your way to playing games/using Windows instead of gaffing around doing a full format

This, I don't think I've ever bothered with a full format, get bored after a couple hours when it's still only on 10%.

stulid · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:18

VaderDSL said:
Don't bother with the full format, it's a waste of time is it not?

Just use the quick format/re-partition tool during the initial install process, then you can be on your way to playing games/using Windows instead of gaffing around doing a full format

Finally, someone sees logic.

Vidya · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:19

But I want it to check my HDD for errors, which a quick format, does not

bobbyspangles · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:20

Vidya said:
But I want it to check my HDD for errors, which a quick format, does not

Right-click on your HDD in My Computer and then Properties>Tools>Error-checking?

It will then scan for errors when you next reboot.

Vidya · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:22

I didn't ask for opinions on why I should or shouldn't do it, I just wanted to know how

VaderDSL · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:23

Vidya said:
But I want it to check my HDD for errors, which a quick format, does not

Just install Windows and do a SMART check when installed? Afaik just doing a full format won't check the disk either?

You seem to be making a mountain of a mole hill here

Just get Windows installed and do what bobby spangles suggests above to check the disk.

Moeks · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:24

format c:

You can also do an unconditional format, which will write zeros to every sector of the partition. To do this it's.

format c: /u

The quick format command is

format c: /q

Mr Gimp · 27 Nov 2011 at 20:26

Full format won't check for errors any more than a quick format surely?

I would have thought

format "drive letter"

would have done the trick from a command prompt however.

I wouldn't bother personally, as a decent amount of use after a quick format will have deleted everything on the drive previously before too long.