Can you just format an added hard drive, in XP by right clicking it?

[9nines]

I am going to add an OEM drive (will still keep same main C: drive.) Can I just right click it and format it, in XP or do I still need to go to DOS?

 

[myocardia]

Yes, you can format it from within Windows, but it has to already be partitioned. Just use your Windows cd, and play along like you're gonna install Windows on that drive, and then don't go through with it. Just create the partition, then reboot, and format it from within Windows.

edit: There's a big, long, drawn out way of partitioning it from Windows, but as long as your copy of Windows is legal, it's much easier not to try to explain it.

 

[MustISO]

Just add the drive and boot into Windows. Go to Disk Manager and partition and format. Very simple to do. If there's alread a partition, just right-click in Explorer and format.

 

[Navid]

There is no need to go to DOS or to use your XP CD.

Just right click "My Computer" and click on "Manage".
Click on "Disk management" in the left pane.
You will see the hard drive in the right pane.
Right click the hard drive in the right pane and format. You can create partitions, format, and change drive letters.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Originally posted by: MustISO
Just add the drive and boot into Windows. Go to Disk Manager and partition and format. Very simple to do. If there's alread a partition, just right-click in Explorer and format.

What he said. Much much easier than doing the windows setup way.

 

[9nines]

Thanks.

 

[Slowlearner]

I prefer the HD manufacturers' utilities WD Data Lifeguard/Seatools/Max Blast. Download these from their website, retail hd kits come with the CDs, burn iso and or whatever. Install software first and then reboot with new hd plugged in, and follow menu options. I get the distinct feeling that they format hds in a fraction of the time windows format command takes.