Formatting the hard drive is necessary after the purchase of a second hard disk or the replacement of the main one due to a virus. Formatting is necessary for the drive to be used on any computer, but in this article we will only deal with laptops.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows Operating Systems
Step 1. Go to the laptop manufacturer's website and download the updated drives
These are typically found on the support or download pages.
Step 2. Download the latest drivers available for your laptop and operating system
If necessary, use a different computer to download these files.
Step 3. Upload the drivers to an external storage device such as a CD or USB stick, because these drivers will be deleted from the hard drive once formatted
Step 4. Insert a Windows installation or recovery CD into the CD-Rom drive
Restart your computer by selecting "Restart" from the "Shut Down" tab.
Step 5. Consult the user manual regarding the key to press to enter the BIOS, as this varies from motherboard to motherboard
Step 6. Press the key indicated by the manual or computer startup screen while the computer restarts (before the operating system or loading screen is loaded) to open the BIOS setup screen
It can often be difficult to press the key at the right time. Start pressing it repeatedly as soon as your computer turns on.
Check that the CD player is the primary boot device in the BIOS setup. If necessary, change the configuration and press “Save”. The computer should restart
Step 7. Wait for the Windows installation CD to load
Step 8. Select “Format” and “Use NTFS File System” for the desired partition
This format is the most compatible with regards to the latest versions of Windows.
Step 9. Let the installation software work, answering "Yes, Continue" to the questions that are proposed to you or otherwise by choosing the desired option
Step 10. When the computer restarts again, do not press any key on the keyboard to make the system finish the installation
Step 11. Remove the system recovery / installation CD from the CD-Rom drive once the installation is complete
The laptop can now be rebooted from its own drive rather than from the CD.
Step 12. Install the drivers previously loaded on the external storage device
The computer is now ready for use.
Method 2 of 2: Mac OS (delete and reinstall)
Step 1. Insert the Mac OS X installation DVD into the optical drive
Alternatively, if your laptop comes with the MacBook Air Software Reinstall Drive, insert it into the USB port.
Step 2. Press the “C” button repeatedly while restarting your computer
Should a window regarding the “mouse” appear, turn on the wireless mouse.
Step 3. Choose a language and press the right arrow key
Step 4. Click on the “Utilities” menu and select “Disk Utility”
Choose the drive to format. On most laptops it is called "Macintosh HD". Click on "Cancel".
Step 5. A screen will appear asking if you really want to delete the drive
Select Yes. When the operation is completed, select "Erase Disk Utility" from the "Utilities" menu.
Step 6. Click on the “Continue” button when the installation software screen appears and accept the user license
Step 7. Choose the drive you just formatted and click “Install”
When the dialog box appears informing you that the operating system has been installed, click on "Continue" and then on "Restart". The "Installation assistant" will open
Step 8. Select your country / region from the selection screen after the computer has restarted and select “Continue”
Step 9. Select the keyboard layout and press “Continue”
Step 10. Select an option from the "Migration" screen
You can transfer data from another Mac to this laptop if you want to continue with the process.
Step 11. Mac will ask you to enable Location Services
Turn on the wireless features if the relevant screen appears and you want to use them. You may need to type in a password if your network is secure.
Step 12. Create users for the computer
Remember the passwords and continue with the operation.
