How to Format a Partition in XP

Instructions

Format the partition from My Computer 

Step 1

 

Go to "Start," and click on "My Computer."

Step 2

 

Right-click on the partition that you want to format, then click on "Format."

Step 3

 

Click on the "Start" button in the "Format Local Disk" dialog box. The whole process will take some time to complete depending on the size of the partition.

Format the partition from DOS

Step 1

 

Go to "Start," and click on "Run."

Step 2

 

Type "cmd" in the "Run" dialog box and then press "Enter."

Step 3

 

Type "format drive_letter:" at the command prompt, replacing "drive_letter" with the letter of the drive that you want to format (for example, "format d:"). Press "Enter." For help on advanced formatting options, type "format/?|more" at the command prompt and then press "Enter." Keep on pressing "Enter" as you read on.