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    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #1

    Feb 12, 2010, 08:23 AM
    Format hard drive from bios
    Had a computer given to me that had many viruses and problems, Registry problems, about had it sorted, and with dim light I accidentally hit Control U instead of Alt U, Now it says it can't see Hard Drive or Optical Drive. Its an inspirion 8100, Can't go further than BIOS.
    4 Questions:
    Can I format from BIOS?
    Can I put that Hard Drive in a USB Enclosure to Format?
    Is their anything I should Check, if able to access as an External Drive?
    Anything I shoud try in BIOS?
    I have Tried different Boot Orders and they were Enabled.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
    		  
    #2

    Feb 12, 2010, 08:25 AM

    Format is an OS function. So you need to boot the machine to an OS to format the drive.
    NeedKarma's Avatar
    NeedKarma Posts: 10,635, Reputation: 1706
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    #3

    Feb 12, 2010, 08:54 AM
    Or you can make a bootable CD and nuke the drive from there. Try Darik's Boot And Nuke | Hard Drive Disk Wipe and Data Clearing
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #4

    Feb 12, 2010, 08:59 AM

    Hey Thanks, will give it a try when I get back, will keep you updated.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #5

    Feb 12, 2010, 02:12 PM

    Had no luck with the Boot and Nuke.
    Also showed No Primary Hard Drive Prior to or after the Boot and Nuke?
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #6

    Feb 12, 2010, 02:17 PM
    You mentioned using a USB enclosure.
    How about simply pulling the drive and running as a slave in another system
    At least that way you would be able to format it.

    As for the BIOS, try resetting it to default or optimal settings, should help detect the drive again
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #7

    Feb 12, 2010, 02:22 PM

    Curlyben, Can you reset in BIOS Menu, or is it by jumpering on Motherboard?
    The external usb Enclosure should work if all else fails. Thanks
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #8

    Feb 12, 2010, 02:37 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Stratmando View Post
    Curlyben, Can you reset in BIOS Menu, or is it by jumpering on Motherboard?
    Really depends on the age of the machine, but most modern BIOS's are reset from within the actual menu.
    If you can't find it, pulling the battery is also an option

    The external usb Enclosure should work if all else fails. Thanks
    If you already have the enclosure then go for it, otherwise slave it would be easier.
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