Zero-Fill Format using Windows command prompt You should see the volume name displayed, for example, with Volume is drive E is MyData, “MyData” is the volume name. Before executing the format command, you can type vol e: (replace e: with the drive letter of the hard drive being formatted) and press Enter. You need to know the volume for the hard drive before starting the format process. Note: You may see a prompt to Enter current volume label for drive E: or something similar depending on which drive letter you are formatting. Once asked if you want to erase all contents on the hard drive.For example, if the hard drive you are formatting is drive E:, you would type format E: At the prompt, type format and the appropriate drive letter, and then press Enter.

Open the Windows command prompt window.Click Start to begin the format process.The Quick Format feature formats the drive faster but makes it easier to recover data using specialized software. In the Format window, most options should be set by default, and you can most likely leave those default settings as is.In the drop-down menu that appears, select the Format option.Find the appropriate drive icon and right-click it.Press the Windows key, type My Computer, and then press Enter.Zero-Fill Format using Windows Command Prompt.Basic Format using Windows Command Prompt.Basic Format using My Computer in Windows.