Formatting HDDs outside of a PC?

[Dakafall]

I took apart some old PCs that were in my house and got 3 HDDs out of them. Unfortunately, its almost guaranteed that they have some type of malware or something on them. My question is,1.How would I go about formatting these HDDs to get rid of the viruses and 2. Would connecting them to my current PC infect that PC? I plan to use 2 on a new PC and another as an external/portable hard drive.

 

[TechyInAZ]

I doubt you'll get a virus.

1. Plug the drives into your pc.
2. Format them all to like NTFS or something else.
3. Run a virus scan to make sure there are no viruses on your pc.

 

[USAFRet]

Get a USB dock or cable. Start the PC, then connect the drive.
Format as needed. Full, not Quick.

 

[Dakafall]

I doubt you'll get a virus.

1. Plug the drives into your pc.
2. Format them all to like NTFS or something else.
3. Run a virus scan to make sure there are no viruses on your pc.

Ok. cool. I just wasn't sure. I'm building a second PC out of some of my old parts so I save some good money by doing this.

Get a USB dock or cable. Start the PC, then connect the drive.
Format as needed. Full, not Quick.

So If I get a sata to USB cable that'll work?

 

[USAFRet]

So If I get a sata to USB cable that'll work?

I have one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Vantec-CB-ISATAU2-Supports-2-5-Inch-5-25-Inch/dp/B000J01I1G

Works quite well for connecting random drives for analysis.