How to Format a Hard Drive

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Back up your data.

   If you want to save any of the data on the disk, back it up by copying it to a CD or another hard drive.
   
   Formatting will destroy ALL of the data on the disk. ,,,,,, Mac OS Extended is the most basic, standard option.
   
   Journaled will help the computer track changes over time and is usually a good idea.
   
   Case Sensitive is for use with UNIX.
   
   MS-DOS is best if you wish to share files between and connect the computer with a Windows system. ,, Follow the prompts, wait for it to finish, and you're done.
2. 2

   Step 2: Open the Hard Drive.

3. 3

   Step 3: Open the Applications Folder.

4. 4

   Step 4: Scroll down and open the Utilities folder.

5. 5

   Step 5: Click Disk Utility.

6. 6

   Step 6: Select the drive you wish to format from the list on the left.

7. 7

   Step 7: Select your volume format.

8. 8

   Step 8: Name the drive.

9. 9

   Step 9: Click Erase.

Detailed Guide

About the Author