Do I need to format a brand new internal HD for external use?

[juiceimus]

Hello!

I just recently bought a WD Green 1TB Hard Drive.

I was wondering if there is anything I need to do to start moving files onto it, or is it just a plug and play situation?

Thank you!

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi as far as I know it should be plug and pay so's to speak,
Although it's best to I believe format it anyway to remove anything that might be on it,
Also to make sure it's NTFS instead of FAT32

 

[AddRAM]

You have to format it and give it a letter before you can start using it.

Just hook it up and windows will walk you right through it.

Need more help just ask

 

[kbrady1979]

I like running some diagnostic tests on new drives to make sure there are no problems with them. Ultimate Boot CD has several HDD tests on it, mainly for different brands and there is a Western Digital Fit test as well. It takes awhile to run, but when they are done I know they are 100% rock solid. If you are interested in testing your drive before you move data to it, just let me know and I will help you out.

 

[CKWD]

Hi juiceimus!

@AddRAM is right, for an internal hard drive, you'd probably need to first partition, format it. But before all that, after you connect the drive, go to BIOS and check if it recognizes it correctly.
Then you need to partition it. This happens, when you load Windows, from the Disk Management utility (Control panel – System and Security – Administrative tools – Computer Management). Look for your new WD Green drive there. You click “New simple Volume” to first partition it, follow the set up wizard according to what you want as size. After you've made your partitions, you need to format them. Open the Format Partition dialog box and follow the instructions.
Basically, this is it.

Best of luck!

CK_WD