Windows Reinstall - Quick Format vs Full Format

[Hawk Tuah]

Whenever I've done a reformat of my system, I've always done it using the WinXP cd and chosen the Quick NTFS Format. I've never had any problem doing a quick format, it takes mere seconds and seems to work perfectly.

I know there is a Full Format option. I know this would be nessecary for an unformatted disk, however what benefits would there be to doing a full format over a quick one on a windows reinstall?

This has only just cropped up in my mind as I was watching the gadget show last week and they said about reinstalling windows, and recommended always doing a full format. Why?

 

[TheTiger]

All it does is check the disk for bad sectors. I only do this when I've bought a new hard disk, otherwise I choose quick

 

[Roady]

I know there is a Full Format option. I know this would be nessecary for an unformatted disk

Nope, even a new unformatted disk can be formatted using the quick format option, i think its something to do with it being NTFS as FAT32 certainly needs a full format...

 

[blackster]

I always choose full format, it takes longer but I just leave it and go make a drink or something.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

I always choose full format, it takes longer but I just leave it and go make a drink or something.

But why?

 

[Hawk Tuah]

Nope, even a new unformatted disk can be formatted using the quick format option, i think its something to do with it being NTFS as FAT32 certainly needs a full format...

Show how long since I did a full format.

 

[Roady]

But why?

I think because:

All it does is check the disk for bad sectors.

But also running a diagnostic program from the HDD manufacturer would accomplish the same thing (and give you more info, fixing options etc etc)

 

[NathanE]

A "full" format will perform a thorough scan of the disk and will flag up bad sectors so they aren't used. A "quick" format will just create the partition information and do nothing else.

Although quick format is available, a full format should always be performed on a new hard disk if you value your data.

 

[Blackstar_solar]

Also doing a quick format just marks all files as deleted, whereas full format write over the data with 0s...i think

 

[NathanE]

No full format does not perform a zero-fill. You're right, quick format just deletes the MFT (master file table) and (re)creates the partition.

 

[Blackstar_solar]

No full format does not perform a zero-fill.

Fair enough, I stand corrected

 

[divine`]

Utilities like KillDisk will perform a zero-fill though if you so desire