Although most modern computers come with pre-formatted hard drives, the savvy computer user should be very familiar with the hard drive formatting process. Reformatting your hard drive is necessary for computers that have bad software or corrupted data, and the process is used most frequently to preserve computers that would otherwise be unusable.
Function
Formatting a hard drive completely purges your system of all pre-existing files and installs new system files to replace the old ones. Any pictures, documents, program or settings you had in place before formatting your hard drive will be erased. After the hard drive has finished formatting, you computer will have the same content it did when it was new.
Considerations
There are several reasons why you might consider formatting your hard drive: to get rid of corrupted or damaged files that may be slowing your computers performance; to replace missing or incomplete system files; to purge all spyware, adware and malware; to clears up free space; or to prepares the computer for resale.
Effects
The biggest effect of reformatting your hard drive is the loss of all of your personal files. Since a reformat virtually wipes your hard drive clean, you will not be able to retrieve anything that was previously saved on the hard drive. However, there are several positive reasons for formatting your hard drive, including getting rid of harmful programs and restoring missing or damaged system files.
Benefits
After formatting your hard drive, the most noticeable benefit will be your computer's run time. It will run noticeably faster because the hard drive will be completely empty save for system folders. This frees up your RAM and cuts down the wear and tear on your processor.
Warning
Because reformatting your hard drive will remove all of your personal files, it is important to back up files that you would like to keep before attempting this process. You can back up these files on an external hard drive or a virtual server.
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