Formatting with only a DVDRW drive

[[fr31ns]Karrde]

So I really need to format the lappy.  Is it possible to completely format a laptop with only a DVD?  Note, this is a Vista comp, though I doubt that changes the procedure much.  An OS reinstall would be easy enough, but that's not really what I want.  Help for someone who's never actually had to format before

[Negate]

Not quite sure what your asking here you want to format your HD but not reinstall your OS?

[CaffeinePowered]

Um...yes?

Whatever OS you are trying to install should have a format option, just boot from the CD/DVD.....

[[fr31ns]Karrde]

I guess I meant from a prompt.  IE format c:/s or whatever.  Is there even an appreciable difference between formatting from booting to DVD/CD and doing it manually?  Like I said, I've never actually had to do this.

[CaffeinePowered]

Karrde link=topic=3092.msg90432#msg90432 date=1245164211]
I guess I meant from a prompt.  IE format c:/s or whatever.  Is there even an appreciable difference between formatting from booting to DVD/CD and doing it manually?  Like I said, I've never actually had to do this.

Not really, Id just use the utility that's on the CD, usually the prompt formatting or windows formatting utility are designed for formatting a drive that isn't C:

[[fr31ns]Karrde]

Good to know since I'm probably going to be having multiple HDDs on the next comp I get (aka when I'm done with nursing school).