Resolved Do I have to manually partition and format it before installing Windows?

Assuming that I buy a brand new internal hard disk and then install Windows, do I firstly have to manually partition and format it?

 

Not necessarily. You can partition & format it from within Windows setup.

 

Under what circumstances will I have to manually partition & format it outside the installation process of Windows?

 

If you want to use some exotic partition scheme or want to create a file system besides NTFS, you would have to use a 3rd party utility. Otherwise there is no need.

 

Hi Matthew, This is a pretty good explanation with screen shots showing what you will see during an OS install: http://www.howtogeek.com/184659/beginner-geek-hard-disk-partitions-explained/
If you have a clean HDD/SSD and you put your CD/DVD with the OS on it to install - it should proceed to install and pop up messages telling you what's going on.
If the new HDD needs formatting - it will advise you and generally go ahead and do what is necessary.
If you have the expertise and wish to do it yourself (manually) you have the option to do that.
I have done numerous OS installs over the years and I have just let MS OS do it's thing and just agreed to whatever needed confirming.
As others have noted, once the system is operational and running OK, you can use software to alter partition sizes etc. Neil.

 

Is it possible that a new hard disk has already been formatted but the format cannot be identified by the Windows installation disk, so that installation becomes impossible?

 

Windows can't reliably delete/modify partitions made by Linux/Mac.

If Windows can't identify the partitions & you cannot delete them, then you need 3rd party tool.

 

Hi Matthew, If you want/need software to absolutely clean your HDD - this will do it :http://www.pcworld.com/product/1253966/hiren-s-bootcd.html
You will need to burn ISO to disc or thumb drive.
This is a really loaded CD which has many tools that can be used on the comp. Disk wipe is one program that will wipe your disk clean and enable you to use it with your new OS install.
It will clear any Linux or Mac stuff that may be on your disc. Only use this CD if you feel you can handle it. Neil.

 

I think a brand new hard disk would not have been formatted for Linux, but how about Mac?

 

Internal hard disks never come partitioned/formatted for any OS. They are raw. You have to create everything yourself.

However, external hard disks are partitioned & formatted at the factory themselves so that you can start using them right away.