Formatting a hard drive removes all data from the device and prepares it for use. Prior to installation, the Windows 7 DVD formats the drive before loading the operating system onto the disk. The term reformat refers to the process of formatting the hard drive after the initial format. Reformatting Windows 7 can remove viruses from the computer, resolve registry or other system errors, and improve computer performance.
Step
Click "Start," then Control Panel." Type "recovery" into the search box and then press "Enter."
Step
Select "Restore Your Computer or Reinstall Windows" from the results. Click "Advanced Recovery Methods."
Step
Choose "Reinstall Windows (Requires Windows Installation Disc)" from the menu. Click "Yes," "Skip," then "Restart" to boot to the Windows 7 DVD.
Step
Choose your input method from the drop-down menu and then click "Next." Insert the Windows 7 DVD into the disc drive and click "Yes."
Step
Follow the on-screen instructions to reformat the computer and reinstall Windows 7 to the hard drive.
