The tools to reformat (initialize) a Mac HD are contained in the utilities folder.
Under OS 8.1 you will probably have to search for it. Hold down the Apple Key, (key next to the spacebar on the left)(also has an apple on it) and press the "F" key. In the resulting window put the name of the file you are looking for. In this case, Disk Tools.
Reformatting the drive will remove all the data from it, including the system, and to do that, you will have to be booted from an external drive.
This would probably be the CD that came with the machine. A copy of Disk Tools is on the CD.
I doubt Windows would let you reformat the drive you are booted from either.
This machine is not much good for too much, given its age and speed, and will NOT run the current OS from Apple, OS X. The highest OS for this machine is posted as OS 9.0 but "might" run OS 9.2, the last OS before OS X.
OS 8.1 is not the best OS for this machine but if it is all you have.....
Once reformatted, it will need an OS installed to be of any use
If you need more, holler
P
my dad recently got an older mac and he asked me to reformat it but being a windows boy and all i have to idea what to do. i think i have the Power Macintosh 8600, and it runs mac os 8.1

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