Windows makes it relatively easy to format and erase a hard drive in most cases. However, if you have a hard drive with encrypted data, Windows may prompt you for a password before allowing you to format, copy or even view the contents on the drive. Problems accessing an encrypted drive escalate if you forget the password or inherit the drive from someone else. While there are many commercial programs that are able to format and erase encrypted drives, Windows includes command-line tools you can use to do the job free. Tips Writer Bio
