Windows says drive is in use - can't format.

JustAwesome

Commendable
Aug 11, 2016
15
0
1,510
I recently ripped an old HDD out of an old Gateway system. I put the hard drive in my PC and tried to format it. Every time I go to format the drive if states that the drive is in use and that it can't format. I have closed nearly every program and background process on my pc to no avail. If anyone can help thanks.

P.S. I am using windows 8.1
 


I am trying to format an old Drive with windows 7 (I think) on it. Nothing I do will allow me to format it.
 


Which drive did you boot from?
 


I booted from my main drive I was using before I plugged this one in. (the windows 8.1 drive)
 
When you right click on the partition that you want to format, what options are available?

Disk_Management_Options1.jpg
 


I have Open, Explore, Mark Partition as active, Change drive letter or paths, Extend Volume, Shrink Volume, Properties and Help.

Format and Delete Partition are both grayed out.