
According to ur Q, there r 2 queries may arise….. r u trying to format a HDD that already has an OS & other imp data and u will want to format other partitions / extra space of the same HDD OR this is really brand new HDD that just u insert in a PC and try to format & install Wind7 !!. OR even u try to insert 2nd HDD into ur already installed OS, this infos r necessary. Cause the mode / parameter of format can change according to the above situations. This is not clear from ur Q. Though u can see this MS Ref

what happens when you format a hard drive .Formatting is just the way in which a hard drive is prepared for use. Its file system is structured to receive data and is either set to default NTFS if you`re using Windows XP or FAT32 if you`re using other operating systems.
heres a link that may help you solve your problem.
http://www.techyv.com/search/node/formatting%20usb%20drive%20flash
















