How to fix insufficient memory error when formatting hard drive

If you receive an "Insufficient memory" error when trying to format your hard drive, the following tips and information may help you fix the problem.

Hard drive has no room

An insufficient memory error happens when formatting a hard drive with no place to put information on the hard drive if it had to be unformatted. To resolve this issue, run an unconditional format on the hard drive by typing the following at the MS-DOS prompt.

format c: /u <press Enter>

Master boot record is corrupted

If, when running an unconditional format, you experience the same issue, the master boot record may be corrupted. To resolve this issue, type the following at the MS-DOS prompt.

fdisk /mbr <press Enter>
format c: /u <press Enter>

Partitions are corrupted or missing

If you continue to experience the same issues after attempting the two suggestions above, we recommend using the fdisk tool. The fdisk utility lets you delete and recreate the partitions. At the MS-DOS prompt, run the following commands:

fdisk /mbr <press Enter>
format c: /u <press Enter>

Hard drive is bad

Unfortunately, if the recommendations above don't resolve your issue, the hard drive is likely bad and needs to be replaced.