Full Format Hard Drive with Windows 7 Boot Disc

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  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 Professional
       #11

    As an MSDN subscriber, I have multiple DVD's of Windows 7, multiple formats, including N and non-N versions. I am definitely installing the non-N version, but it still "finds" the prior installation of the "N" version.

    My solution, which worked just fine, and underscores my previous assessment, was to install Windows XP, doing a complete Format and install, the immediately installing Windows 7 Pro... this time, it worked fine, no "N" reference.

    So, once again, it would have been nice if Microsoft had provided a true "Complete" format to avoid this issue. Granted, the average user wouldn't have access to multiple DVD's of Windows 7, of varying flavors and types, but some of us do.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,170
    XP Pro SP3 X86 / Win7 Pro X86
       #12

    VegasUSMC said:
    As an MSDN subscriber, I have multiple DVD's of Windows 7, multiple formats, including N and non-N versions. I am definitely installing the non-N version, but it still "finds" the prior installation of the "N" version.

    My solution, which worked just fine, and underscores my previous assessment, was to install Windows XP, doing a complete Format and install, the immediately installing Windows 7 Pro... this time, it worked fine, no "N" reference.

    So, once again, it would have been nice if Microsoft had provided a true "Complete" format to avoid this issue. Granted, the average user wouldn't have access to multiple DVD's of Windows 7, of varying flavors and types, but some of us do.
    If this is correct, Microsoft is up to some schenanegans.... The only thing I can figure is they must be picking certain things up during the boot process, prior to formatting...

    Glad you got it sorted though...
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Pro 32bit
       #13

    There is a way to do a full format on an install. Boot to the install DVD. after the setup loads go to System Recovery Options.

    From there open a command line.
    Type:
    format C: /fs:NTFS
    Restart and install.

    Not as straightforward as the quick format but it does work.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 85
    Win7 pro 64
       #14

    coming back on your issue, I had the same, and after a memtest, I noted my second memory stick was defect. Replaced and everything went fine afterward.

    Be careful formatting some last generation HDD with third party softwares (I did it!). Drives like WD EARS series will require to be re-aligned after this kind of formatting (see WD Website). If you can avoid it, avoid it!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1
    Windows 7
       #15

    THANK YOU ComonTater! Finally someone else who understands that there IS indeed a difference between a full and quick format!

    If you suspect that your Hard Drive has developed some bad sectors (example: from improper shutdowns, etc.) then a FULL long format is the way to go.

    Its for that very reason that any computer that comes into our shop for a reload thats more than a year or two old ALWAYS gets a full format and NOT a quick one!


    Now, having said that...

    at the time of me writing this, when necessary, we are current using a Windows XP cd to do a full format until we can figure out how to trigger a full format with the Windows 7 DVD.
      My Computer

  6.    #16

    I also thought the same thing until I learned that Full Format simply adds chkdsk /r to the process.

    If you want it cleanest, use DISKPART to Clean All, followed by chkdsk, then format using installer.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 687
    Microsoft Windows 10 Professional / Windows 7 Professional
       #17

    Load diskpart (shift+F10 on windows setup) and do a "clean all" for the selected disk, the "clean all" command performs a zero fill if i remember correctly.

    SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
      My Computer

  8.    #18

    Yes, Clean All applies one set of zeros to overwrite code - DOD standard is 3 sets of zeroes: Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

    However this does not chkdsk the drive which is what was included in the old XP long format. It is good to be reminded that reinstalls are the time to chkdsk /r your HD: Disk Check

    Then to catch any problems with the surface of your HD to repair and extend it's life, run the maker's full diag/repair CD scan:
    Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.URL

    Now when you apply formatting from the installer, the quick format has been supplemented to include what XP full format included, plus more.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1
    windows 7 32
       #19

    format disk for windows 7


    if you have a XP version then you can using first for partion and format, when ready then stop the pc and use windows 7.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1
    Fedora 14
       #20

    Another way to full format from Windows 7 install DVD


    1. Boot the DVD.
    2. Go to the steps until you get to the "Where do you want to install Windows" screen.
    3. Erase all existing partitions and create a new one.
    4. Click format - this will perform quick format
    5. Press Shift + F10 (this will open a console)
    6. From the console you can use "format c:" command

    Some usefulul tips: "format /P:xxx" (xxx is number) will zero the sectors on the hard disk overwriting the information there

    Have fun!
    -sharo
      My Computer


 
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