If i format my hardrive will it delete critical files?

Question

If i format my hardrive by opening up my computer and right clicking C: and then format will it delete all my critical files what i need like all my program files to start up the computer I'm not that bothered about the applications but i just need to know or is there any other way of wiping the hardrive and keeping the system files besides system restore

Answer 1

I don't know what operating system you are using??? But, YES! To Format is to overwrite everything.  A novice should not do this alone!!!  Have someone that knows the correct procedure to implement.  This will save you a lot of headache and service money.  Hope this helps... Good Luck.

Answer 2

If you have the original CD of your OS or the recovery disk from the manufacture or you PC, you can reinstall and then format your PC as nev, before you make backup of the thing you want to preserve, because a format erased everything and reinstall the Os as new, you may be has to register(activation again) whit Microsoft but it is whorthing.

Answer 3

No. You cannot format the "c" drive from within windows as that is the active drive that contains you operation system, ie:-Windows.To format your drive you will have to; (1) alter your bios to boot from cd. (2) Insert your operating systems (Windows) disk and follow the on screen prompts. This type of format Will erase everything from your disk in preparation for you to re-install your operation system

Answer 4

i'm not completely familiar with your method of formatting, but usually formatting your harddrive will wipe out every last file including the operating system.

What you could do to clear your entire harddrive if you have a virus or something that you can't get rid of is to use an Operating System CD such as a Vista CD or XP CD and let your computer boot from the cd instead of off your harddrive, then there would be a format option on the cd.  Click that and every single file from your computer will be deleted and everything you had would be replaced with a completely fresh version of the operating system.  The downside is that it wipes all files including critical files, any software, all operating system updates, and anything else besides what was installed on your operating system cd.

Answer 5

You most certainly will. If you do a format using this method you clean every thing off your "C" drive.  Since the operating system resides on the "C" drive you will not be able to restart the computer.  

I am assuming your talking about a Microsoft Windows system. If you want to get a fresh start, copy any application data files (most of which reside in "Documents"), off to CD ROM then reinstall windows from the windows system CD ROM or DVD ROM provided with your computer.  You will then have to reinstall your application software. Then recover your applications data files.

Answer 6

I see dozens of guys who do this and BOY do they regret it

please don't do it