can i reformat a hard drive with out actually deleting the operating system and all that good stuff?

Question

I am just looking to delete the content of things, what to do?

Answer 1

So you want to delete everything off the hard drive but the operating system? Its possible, but a pain in the ***.



You have to first un-install all applications and games, except for the ones that come with whatever operating system you are using (you didn't state which one). Then you need to delete all temp files. Then delete anything in your profile's folders, like in "my photos" or "my music", etc. Then, you need to delete all your browsing history, temp files, cache files and cookies. Then, you need to remove any personal preferences, and profiles. Even after all that, everything you deleted is really not "deleted", but the spot on the hard drive that information occupies is marked as "available" by the hard drive's file allocation table. Anyone with a small amount of computer experience can go in and un-delete all that stuff.



If you want to do this by hand, follow the steps outlined above. I can't tell you exactly what to delete or even what the paths or folder names are, since every computer is different, and you didn't mention what OS you are running. Once you delete everything, then run an application like "Eraser" to completely wipe all free space on the drive. Only then will the contents really be "deleted" permanently.



If you are unsure how to do this, get someone to do it for you. Or, you can go the easy route and use "DBAN", then re-install the OS.

Answer 2

Well I suppose you could try shrinking the volume using Computer Management and then formatting the empty bit, moving the files over to the new bit and formatting the other bit, but you couldn't move the operating system as it was using it. You'd have to run Linux or something off a live CD then format the hard drive while the computer wasn't using it. But it's like everyone else slightly less helpfully said, formatting kills everything... This way you can save what you want while everything get's deleted. Alternatively if you just wanted to wipe the computer just use the operating system CD and chose reinstall I suppose...

Answer 3

Format means eras every thing but you can go to control panel click on programs and features then un install what you do not want to be on the computer or if you have photos or videos just right click on the file then click delete.

Answer 4

You can't format a hard drive without deleting EVERYTHING.



Your best bet is to:



Backup all the documents and personal files you want to keep.

Format the hard drive

Reinstall Windows

Re-establish your personal logon

Copy all the backed up stuff back to your personal folders.



Probably easiest if you use the "files and transfer wizard" that comes with Windows XP/Vista/7

Answer 5

No. When you format a hard-drive you're basically wiping it clean. A format initializes the boot sector, the root directory, and the MFT (Master File Table). All of this happens whether you're doing a quick or a full format.

Answer 6

Nope, formatting kills everything.