Initialize and Format a New HDD For Data Storage

I have a new 2TB HDD I want to initialize and format for use as a data storage disk only (no OS.)

It is now called "Disk 6" in Disk Management.

I've done this in the past and it was straightforward. I cannot remember clearly how.

I want to do it properly again. I've searched the forum and in the web in general and all I find is descriptions of complex arrangements users want to create.

Is there a list of the steps I need to take?

thanks
baumgrenze

All you need to do is right click the My Computer icon on your desktop and chose Manage. Then go to, Storage | Disk Management. Right click your drive (make DAMN sure it's the right one) Initialize and format.

Another way to get to Disk Management is to go to the Start orb under search and begin typing, " Create and format hard disk partitions.

Disk Management is in the Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Computer Management | Storage.

I believe I managed the initialization OK

Here's what I see now:



If I right click on the the striped area it offers "New Simple Volume."

Is it as simple as selecting that option?

thanks
baumgrenze

I found another thread by searching a bit more and was reminded of Mini-Tool Partition Wizard. The tutorial seemed to make sense, so I'm moving ahead. Here's what it looked like before.


MiniToolPartitionWizard_021219_New2TB_WDBlack_MainDisplay.jpg

Here's the Create New Partition interface:


MiniToolPartitionWizard_021219_New2TB_WDBlack_CreateNewPartition.jpg

Here's the result:

MiniToolPartitionWizard_021219_New2TB_WDBlack_MainDisplayPartitioned.jpg

I launched a surface test. It should be done before breakfast. I'll leave it running and go to bed.

Please do not hesitate to point out any mistakes I may have made.

thanks
baumgrenze

You have successfully initialized the new HDD by low formatting as Legacy - MBR, creating one primary partition and formatted as NTFS.
If the surface test found no read errors your HDD is fine.
Check disk looks for logical errors on the disk, not physical errors. It doesn't look for errors on unused space.
Surface test scan for errors on the disk surface (hardware), not logical.

Your disk is fine. Ready to be used.
Just remember that one day all disks will fail (not if but when, by hardware or by virus attack) so you must always have a backup. And backup disk you only connect when you're going to do a backup. Never leave it connected all time.

Thank you Megahertz07 for the important clarification.

I remain mystified why my efforts to update a Win10 installation on a SSD (that is all there is on it until I finally am forced to migrate from Win7 to Win10 during 2019) resulted in the creation of so many logical errors on my data disk.

thanks
baumgrenze

baumgrenze said:

I remain mystified why my efforts to update a Win10 installation on a SSD (that is all there is on it until I finally am forced to migrate from Win7 to Win10 during 2019) resulted in the creation of so many logical errors on my data disk.
thanks
baumgrenze

You have a Win 10 installed on a SSD and you can't update it?
By WU or by running a newer version setup from running Win 10?