Format Hard Drive

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  1. Posts : 52
    Windows 7 32 bit
       #1

    Format Hard Drive


    I have a Compaq CQ57 laptop. I had to buy a new hard drive for it. Plus I had to buy the Windows 7 installation discs for it. The problem is that I have to format the new hard drive. Can anybody tell me how to format a new hard drive?


    Thank you
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 0
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #2

    Windows installation will do this for you. Just install the hard drive and follow this guide.


    How to Install Windows 7 (Beginners) (with Pictures) - wikiHow


    Of course the pictures may not match your particular BIOS. But in principal it's the same method of operating system installation.

    You do have a legit paid-for product key?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 52
    Windows 7 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Yes, but if you go to Compaq,they tell you to contact Computer Surgeons for the reinstalation discs. I purchased the Compaq-authorized reinstalation discs but they will not load until I format thr hard drive .
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,021
    Win 7 HP SP1 64-bit Vista HB SP2 32-bit Linux Mint 18.3
       #4

    Hi okwrangler2003,

    okwrangler2003 said:
    Yes, but if you go to Compaq, they tell you to contact Computer Surgeons for the reinstalation discs. I purchased the Compaq-authorized reinstalation discs but they will not load until I format the hard drive.
    The HDD will be formatted during the Win 7 installation!

    Put the installation DVD in. Put the new HDD in. Boot the computer. You will need to continually press the F11 or F12 key [I am note sure which one but their website will tell you] to get into the boot menu. Select the CD/DVD drive and press enter. Install Win 7.

    I hope this helps!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #5

    It's strange. Normally a installation disk will format the drive.

    Do you have any win (7, 8 or 10) installation disk?
    With it you can use Diskpart to format the disk.

    Do you have the COA sticker with the win 7 license key? Look under the case and/or under the battery.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 52
    Windows 7 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I looked up the article that was mentioned. It tells how to install the discs, but before I can install the disc, I have to format the hard drive. I need help to tell me how to format the hard drive.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #7

    To format the drive, you need to boot a disk with a OS.
    Do you have any win (7, 8 or 10) installation disk?
    With it you can use Diskpart to format the disk.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 52
    Windows 7 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Diskpart only works if you have an installed Windows Operating System. I have a brand new hard drive that has never been formatted.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #9

    okwrangler2003 said:
    Diskpart only works if you have an installed Windows Operating System. I have a brand new hard drive that has never been formatted.
    Yes, to use diskpart you need Windows OS. That is why I asked if you have any Win installation disk.
    When you boot a win installation disk, you boot Win PE that allow you to use Diskpart.

    You didn't asnwer my questions:
    - Do you have a COA sticker?
    - Do you have any win installation disk?
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 6,021
    Win 7 HP SP1 64-bit Vista HB SP2 32-bit Linux Mint 18.3
       #10

    Hi okwrangler2003,

    okwrangler2003 said:
    Diskpart only works if you have an installed Windows Operating System. I have a brand new hard drive that has never been formatted.
    Hi okwrangler2003,

    You don't actually need an installed OS, you just need an installation DVD! You can then boot into the installation DVD and use diskpart through the command prompt.

    I hope this helps!
      My Computer


 
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