Whats the diff. between quick and full format?

[slicksilver]

I want to format my USB stick and I want to the difference between the two formatting methods and what the preferred method of formatting is.

Thanks

 

[VirtualLarry]

Huh? Your choices are filesystem: NTFS or FAT32 (or exFAT in some OSes, I guess), and then either Quick, or Full format. "Full" format, writes to every sector and erases stuff. "Quick" format, just lays out new filesystem structure, without wiping.

If you had prior personal data stored on it, but want to re-use or sell it to someone else, then run vconsole.com 's USB flash drive tester program on it, and it will wipe the entire drive, except for the hidden spare area.

 

[slicksilver]

Thanks Larry.

 

[N4g4rok]

Quick format basically just tells whatever writes to it next to pretend that nothing is there. Full format should actually go through and clear out that data.