They don't come with file systems already formatted on them, probably because the manufacturer doesn't know what file system the buyer will want on the hard drive (NTFS, FAT32, a Mac or any of the different Linux file systems, etc.). Yes, hard drives need formatting before you can use them. Wait for a new window to appear and then scroll down through the list of options on the left pane.
Double-click ' Computer Management' and then click 'Continue' when a box pops up. You can format a hard drive without a Windows CD. How do i format hard drive without windows?
Some people find that it is best to format the drive with FAT32 because it allows for more possibilities and compatibility. Only under specific circumstances should you consider formatting an external hard drive with another format. NTFS is the default file format for all modern versions of Windows. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best format for a hard drive?