How to format a hard drive via BIOS: step by step instruction

There is no formatting function in the BIOS itself. This system utility is just a tool for cleaning up with a bypass of loading the operating system. This question arises because the "inside" media is not formatted, because it is written on the version of the OS used. Below you will find the basic ways how to format the hard drive via BIOS, and instructions to them.

How to format a hard disk from a boot disk or USB flash drive

Full formatting of the hard disk is equated with the operation to destroy all data of its internal memory. After such a procedure, you can re-install the operating system, without fear of errors or other unpleasant moments. Just before you clean up the hard drive completely, it's worth checking whether you've copied all the necessary files. It will be difficult to restore information, and in some cases it will not work at all. Formatting a hard disk via BIOS is done in several ways:

• using an external media;
• using a special utility;
• during the installation of Windows.

The first method, how to format a hard disk via BIOS, involves loading from any drive. As it uses a USB flash drive, CD or DVD.One of them should contain a special program-shell for cleaning. More often a Live CD is used, designed specifically for this purpose. You can copy it using the popular UltraISO utility. After preparing such a boot device, follow the instructions how to completely format the hard disk:

1. With the computer off, insert the prepared media into the drive or USB connector.
2. When starting, note which key will be displayed next to the phrase "Enter Setup".This can be F8, F12, F2 or Del. The latter is more often used in laptops. Press this button several times.
3. When going into the BIOS, go to the BOOT menu and change the priority from Flooppy to CD-ROM or USB-FDD, given the type of your bootable media.
4. To save the settings, click F10, then Y and Enter.
5. Restart the computer. If the actions were performed correctly, the program image will be loaded, where you can clear the desired partition.

Formatting a disc using ERD Commander

The second option, how to format a C drive via BIOS, is based on the application of a special program called ERD Commander. It helps even when the system fails to boot. You need to download its ISO-image, which then burn to a DVD or USB flash drive. If you were able to perform these actions, follow the instructions below:

1. In the above way, enter the BIOS menu and change the boot order, which depends on the external media with the program written.
2. Restart the computer. In the opened menu, go to the item MicroSoft Diagnostic and Recovery Toolset, and then click 2-3 times "Next" and in the opened window "Cleaning".
3. Select the desired partition.

Formatting the hard disk when installing Windows

The next method is how to format the hard drive via BIOS.It is implemented during the reinstallation of the operating system using the Windows distribution. During this procedure, it is possible to clear any of the sections. The peculiarity of this method is that all programs that were used earlier will be deleted, and the operating system itself will also be updated.

The concept of distribution is a form of software distribution. It contains a set of utilities required for initial OS initialization. You can download the distribution yourself or use the disk drive that came with your computer for recovery. In the first variant it is necessary to write down ISO-image on CD or a flash card again. The following actions are as follows:

1. Similar to the above instructions, set first to boot CD-ROM or USB-FDD.
2. After the reboot, the Recovery Console starts - as a user, select the OS where the input will be made.
3. Enter the password for the administrator account. If it is not, press the enter key.
4. In the command line that appears, type the combination format c: , then confirm with Enter.
5. If desired, specify the file system - NTFS or FAT.Choose between quick and thorough cleaning. As a result, the command can be such - format with: / Q / FS: NTFS.Here Q refers to quick cleaning.
6. Wait for the cleaning operation to complete, and then follow the system prompts.

Video: how to format a hard disk in Windows 7