Hi,

Here is a pic of what I have.

My OS is installed on the SSD and I am using 2 HD for data and backup.

I am trying to format the E:\ drive so I can use it as a data backup. Unfortunately as you see Win7 isn't allowing this as itb thinks it is an active system partition. How can I format this HD?

Thanks

Tony

Indeed, for some reason windows think your E: drive contains system files.
If you are 100% sure you want to erase everything, then boot using some other disk wipe software.
There are plenty of them, just google "Disk partition software". You will come across Acronis, Partition Magic etc

It should take only a couple of minutes.

Alternatively, you can boot using any linux live cds. And then format the drive from there.

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Hi NorthWind,

Thank you for the suggestion. Was hoping to avoid more software but will look into it. Maybe a new SATA 3 HD will be less painful.