Windows Vista Reformat

[Fayt]

So I want to reformat my computer that runs vista, but... I don't want to use vista's quick format, and since it doesn't come with proper formatting software, how should I go about reformatting it?

I've tried using the XP cd I have and just reformatting with that, but it keeps asking for my admin password, so I put it in, didn't work, then i disabled the admin password in vista, and it still wouldn't accept, so I'm at a loss for what to do.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Gatticus]

What's wrong with the Vista quick format? The only difference between a long format and a quick format is that the long format also checks the HDD integrity. That''s why it takes so long, the actual format is the same though. But if you want to really do as you please with the HDD then get Gparted and just have it delete the partition(s) but not format them gthen format with your choice of software. This is a quick process. Or you could get a HDD wipe utiltiy like Dban and wipe the drive and format with whatevver you like after. Wiping is a very slow process though.

 

[djnes]

Yeah, you could easily just boot from the Vista DVD and clear the drive, recreate the partition(s) and continue.

 

[Fayt]

I see, thanks for the responses. I was under the impression is was like a cd, when you do a quick erase it still keeps the files but just makes it appear like its deleted. I'll just use the vista dvd and format then.

 

[digital_exhaust]

Regardless of what formatting utility you use, the data will remain after deleting a partition. The only ways to actually delete the data on your disk is either writing over it with new data or using a utility like Dban, as Gatticus suggested. But really, there is no reason to do this unless there is some sort of sensitive data you need to permanently get rid of... it won't hurt anything to reinstall your os over the old data....

 

[BigFNDeal]

I see, thanks for the responses. I was under the impression is was like a cd, when you do a quick erase it still keeps the files but just makes it appear like its deleted. I'll just use the vista dvd and format then.

Thats essentially what any format utility does. I would recommend using Dban to wipe the drives completely to DoD spec, then use Vista to quick format during the install.