Windows XP Quick Format?

[charloscarlies]

Well I did a search and couldn't find anything, so I apologize if this has already been discussed.

Is there a difference between quick format and regular? I always do the normal format, but I've used the quick format a few times and everything seemed fine. What's the difference exactly?

 

[pdn]

The Quick format will make the HDD seem to be formatted and allow for a re-install but the files are left behind. The other format does a little more thorough format. If you?re going to re-install windows I suggest deleting all partitions and recreating them. This will make windows XP do a completely new install of windows.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: pdn
The Quick format will make the HDD seem to be formatted and allow for a re-install but the files are left behind. The other format does a little more thorough format. If you?re going to re-install windows I suggest deleting all partitions and recreating them. This will make windows XP do a completely new install of windows.

This answer is not very accurate. The correct answer is that the quick format simply sets up the file system structures but does not write to every sector on the partiton (as the full format does), as such it won't detect physical errors (except in the areas where the structures happen to be). If you know the drive is good, a quick format is fine, I usually recommend a full format at least the first time you format the drive.

Best,
Bill

 

[charloscarlies]

Thanks Bill. That's pretty much what I thought, but I wasn't sure. Never hurts to ask!

 

[pdn]

Originally posted by: bsobel
This answer is not very accurate. The correct answer is that the quick format simply sets up the file system structures but does not write to every sector on the partiton (as the full format does), as such it won't detect physical errors (except in the areas where the structures happen to be). If you know the drive is good, a quick format is fine, I usually recommend a full format at least the first time you format the drive.

Best,
Bill

I stand Corrected! http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302686

Didn't realize this applied to XP, going by what Tech TV was discussing about . But however I do believe that this applies to erasing CD-RW's using Nero or atleast it does to my version.
Rodney from Houston........................since you only did a 'quick format' on the drive, and didn't install or run anything after that, all the data should still be on the drive. That's because a quick format just zaps the FAT table on the drive. The data is still there, though the FAT doesn't point to it anymore..................... I try not to assume too often I just thought that was the same for all formats including XP.

*Edit* I still believe that you'll get better results if you do a full format to save you from any problems later on.