Reformat a Hard Drive Using a System Boot Diskette

Note: Refer to the help file in your operating system on how to format your hard drive. In Microsoft® Windows® XP, from the Start menu, click Help and Support.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Open a Report
Before you begin, you should back up all of the data you want to save, including e-mail, e-mail addresses, documents, Bookmarks and/or Favorites, noting what folders they were in. Don't forget to back up files you downloaded to update drivers and software.

How do I back up data on my computer?

Step 2: Installation Wizard

Open a Report
Most of the hard drives that you can buy today come with a Wizard or installation program that will actually format your hard drive for you. You can also use this program to reformat your hard drive if it becomes necessary. Follow the instructions provided in the wizard. Remember that when you reformat your hard disk, any information stored on it is deleted and will not be retrievable.