What does formating my hard drive do?

[Daedric]

Recently, while trying to free more space on my hard drive I came across a "format" button. What I want to know is: What does this do? I've heard of other people doing it, but I never knew what they were talking about.

[Sprung]

Erases everything on the drive. Absolutely EVERYTHING.

[Daedric]

So I definately shouldn't touch it.

[Xaenn]

Not until windows gets to this total point of death where it becomes useless. Then you have a nice handy reset button. XD

[Winged 2.0]

I just so happen to use it religiously.

[Xaenn]

As do I. Every few months it becomes necessary.

[johnny blaze]

Lies, all lies! You've been lied to my friend! Formatting your hard drive will bring you wealth and fame beyond your wildest dreams! You'll be the king of the media!
All will fear the mighty wrath of Daedric!

[Ryan]

And then he woke up

[Sprung]

Originally posted by soldier
And then he woke up

LOL

[Daedric]

It is so.....tempting....

[Ifrit]

Use it, first, you'll get mad and experience great sorrow because of all that was erased, but after a while, you get this nice warm feeling... Aah... clean hard-drive...

[Daedric]

I would do it, but I know my Dad would kill me.

[Ifrit]

Oh then dont... I myself got my own comp, wee

[Daedric]

I have my own computer too, but he doesn't want me "messing around with an expensive machine"

[Ifrit]

lol, if you're not complete noob you should be able to do this without him noticing. But you need a copy of the Operating system you want on a cd and a windows boot discette.