Can I format just one partition without affecting the other?


  1. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       #1

    Can I format just one partition without affecting the other?


    I have a hard drive that used to have windows 7 RC installed onto it's own partition, (so 2 partitions on one drive) I have since bought a new Hard drive and installed Windows 7 Home Premium on it and I am now using the old Hard drive for storage

    My question is I want to clear out the partition that had my old RC version of Win 7. I tried just deleting all the Windows files, but it would not delete them all... can I format just the partition without affecting the other partition, or will it format the WHOLE drive?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,139
    Systems 1 and 2: Windows 7 Enterprise x64, Win 8 Developer
       #2

    You can format a partition. You can also delete and recreate a partition. Finally, you can resize a partition. All three without affecting the whole drive (well, resizing affect outside that partition).
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,605
    Originally Win 7 Hm Prem x64 Ver 6.1.7600 Build 7601-SP1 | Upgraded to Windows 10 December 14, 2019
       #3

    Hi! Ruester, welcome to 7F :)

    Yes. A Format operation only operates on the ONE Partition you specify and does not touch the other.

    May I ask, what program are you planning to use?
      My Computer


  4. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #4

    Just go to Disk Management, right click on the partition in question and Format.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Lemur said:
    You can format a partition. You can also delete and recreate a partition. Finally, you can resize a partition. All three without affecting the whole drive (well, resizing affect outside that partition).
    Do you mean I can delete the partition and open up the whole drive without affecting the 2nd partition? That would be even better if I could do that

    Anak:
    I was just going to use the Windows built in, is there a better way, or something you suggest?

    Thanks all!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,605
    Originally Win 7 Hm Prem x64 Ver 6.1.7600 Build 7601-SP1 | Upgraded to Windows 10 December 14, 2019
       #6

    No, The windows feature as whs suggests will suffice.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3,139
    Systems 1 and 2: Windows 7 Enterprise x64, Win 8 Developer
       #7

    Ruester said:
    Lemur said:
    You can format a partition. You can also delete and recreate a partition. Finally, you can resize a partition. All three without affecting the whole drive (well, resizing affect outside that partition).
    Do you mean I can delete the partition and open up the whole drive without affecting the 2nd partition? That would be even better if I could do that

    Anak:
    I was just going to use the Windows built in, is there a better way, or something you suggest?

    Thanks all!
    Yes, you can delete and recreate the partition. Just make sure your OS is not on it and your programs do not rely on it.

    How To Create/Delete A Partition In Windows 7
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Thank you all for your help, you have answered my questions! and have a Merry Christmas!
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5,605
    Originally Win 7 Hm Prem x64 Ver 6.1.7600 Build 7601-SP1 | Upgraded to Windows 10 December 14, 2019
       #9

    Ruester said:
    Thank you all for your help, you have answered my questions! and have a Merry Christmas!
    Your most welcome Ruester!



    And may you find your Hopes..'neath the tree..in the mornin'...

    Edit:
    I'm not going to change it, but the first minute or so is a little risque'
    Last edited by Anak; 22 Dec 2010 at 20:30. Reason: Producers Comments
      My Computer


 

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