Windows 7: formating new HDD

hey, i want to format a new external 2 TB hard drive, will that get a virus? thanks

Only if you download dodgy software to it, or visit disreputable sites...........but then so might your other disks in the computer.

The virus affects the operating system but can be stored in data files, emails attachments, executables, etc.... If you store an infected file on the external drive, the file will be infected, even if you move it to another system. The virus won't do anything though without an operating system to execute to infect.

Unplugging the external drive will only partially protect you. As soon as you connect it, a virus has the potential to spread itself to other files on the disk. Worth noting though is that most viruses tend to focus on the C:\ drive or for the more sophisticated virus it will use the %SYSTEM_HOME% variable (or others) to find where to install.

Well like Golden says ans Ali it could be anywhere and everywhere but if you want to isolate just that drive and make sure it alone is totally free then wipe it with either the DISKPART option or the Partition Wizard.

Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

Partition Manager Server, server partition manager and partition magic server for Windows Server 2000/2003/2008. Server Partition software for Windows Server and None-Server partitions < free version

if i just connect the external Hard drive up, it should just know what to do , right? all i need to do is follow the prompts. correct?

You are using XP Pro with SP2. My first suggestion is to upgrade it straightaway to SP3.

That said when you format any drive it doesn't get a virus. On the other hand if it had any viruses earlier they shall get wiped out completely.

Good luck.

Yes if you are using the tutorials I qoted I personally wipe the drive with the Wizard and then format it with the DISKPART and I am sorry I quoted the wrong command prompt tutorial I use the one to format a SSD and it can be used as is except that just run to the part in the pic. You don't need to align as in that tutorial unless you are doing a SSD or want to the choice is yours.

SSD Alignment