How do I erase everything on my hard drive including operating system

[r3drabbit]

I cant seem to figure out how to erase my hard drive completly.

[hawaiianpunch95]

start computer in dos, then type "format c:" i think this should work

[r3drabbit]

how do I get into dos?

[Richard Martin]

Two ways

1) If you have a bootable floppy disk it will boot DOS first

2) If not, get into Windows the normal way you usually do then click
on Shut Down. It should allow you to restart in DOS mode.

[Snurfen]

I think it would be a good idea to add the /s switch, so the system will be bootable after you format the drive,

format c:/s

[Jamie721]

Is there any way to boot after formatting without the /s switch?

[Snurfen]

Yep, from floppy. It just makes life a little easier if you add the \s (as I used to find out everytime I forgot )

[Richard Martin]

Actually, after you reformat the hard drive (with or without the /s switch) and you reinstall Windows 95 or 98 from a CD it will become bootable after the Windows has been installed.

Before you erase the hard drive you might want to consider making a bootable floopy from Windows first.

[The Dude]

Booting to a floppy is THE BEST WAY to get into dos....

Just exit the program on the floppy you booted to,then your left at a A:> .. Simply type 'format c:' and it should work for you.......

Are you going to upgrade to 98se and wanna start out fresh???

At any rate,good luck

[Snurfen]

Originally Posted by Richard Martin

Actually, after you reformat the hard drive (with or without the /s switch) and you reinstall Windows 95 or 98 from a CD it will become bootable after the Windows has been installed.

My post was "make life a little easier" nto "it'll never work"