How to Reformat a PC
Reformatting a computer wipes the data stored on its hard drive, allowing for a clean installation of the system and programs. (In fact, you are technically reformatting the hard drive, so "reformatting a computer" and "reformatting a hard drive" are the same thing.) This is useful if you're giving the machine to someone else or starting over when recovering from a virus. On a PC running Windows, reformatting requires the Windows installation disc. Note that reformatting will erase all your computer's files, so first copy anything you want to keep to another hard drive, USB drive or burnable discs (CDs or DVDs).
Turn on your computer and insert the Windows installation disc in your drive. If your computer came with an OEM-provided system restore disc instead of a Windows disc, insert it.
Reboot your computer by opening the Start menu, placing the mouse over the arrow next to "Shut down" or "Sleep" and clicking "Restart."
Press any key to boot from the disc when prompted. If using a system restore disc, the steps may deviate from the standard Windows method, so follow the on-screen instructions as they appear.
Choose your language, region and keyboard type on the Install Windows page that pops up, and click "Next."
Click "I accept the license terms" and then "Next." Pick the "Custom (advanced)" installation type, and then click "Drive options (advanced)."
Select the partition listed as "Primary" under the Type column and click "Format" and then "OK." Add, delete or format any other partitions as desired, then select your primary partition again and click "Next."
Follow the remaining directions on the screen to finish reinstalling Windows.
- Some computers, such as netbooks without disc drives, use a built-in recovery partition instead of a restore disc. You can usually activate recovery by pressing a particular key specified during the computer's boot sequence, and continue by following the directions on-screen.
- Reformatting your PC will erase all data stored on it. Back up anything you want to keep to an external drive or disc before reformatting.
- Information in this article applies to Windows 7. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or systems.
Aaron Parson has been writing about electronics, software and games since 2006, contributing to several technology websites and working with NewsHour Productions. Parson holds a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash.