Formatting HD without installing windows

Is this possible?

I know how to format and then reinstall windows (xp), but how do I format the HD without reinstalling windows

All I want is an empty HD

Thanks

 

Yep!
You can use the XP CD to format:
See this Limk:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=25831

Or if you know what brand HDD ya got you can download utility from HDD Manufactures web for free.
Maxtor is MaxBlast 3
Western Digital is Data LifeGuard Tools

 

do you know what the IBM utility is?

it is gonna take me days to find it on their site

 

Nope dont Know, looked around thier site didnt see one.

Just use your XP CD, set boot order to CD first in bios, then insert XP cd reboot, boot to cd, run windows setup, just run as if your were to install windows it will come to point where you have option to format, Do so, when done formating just remove CD, or if your wanting to install windows, just continue.

You can also run setup to the point where you would need to enter Key, then just stop there, the pc when powered up will boot to that point and ask for the CD to be inserted.

Just had another thought?
I think Hitachi took over IBM HDD operations, maybe look at Hitachi web?

 

You can also use a bootable floppy & format the hard drive. You can get one from www.bootdisk.com

 

i recommend formatting it with the tool that the manufacturer supplies. who makes that hard drive? go onto their website and find their drive tools. its the quickest way, and will work wonderfully