Format Vs Quick Format - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Jesus Pimp · 05-07-2003, 03:34 AM

Is there any difference between Format and Quick format especially for hard drives besides format takes a helluva longer?

SiN · 05-07-2003, 04:48 AM

google found this -

Quote:

A full format does three things:
erases all previous data
sets up a system for recording what is stored where on the disk
checks the disk for physical and magnetic errors.

A quick format skips the check for errors, so it is a much faster process. You can quick format a disk only if it was already formatted. When you suspect there may be a problem with a disk, you will have to do a full format to find out. Be cautious about using quick formats since you will be skipping an important safety check.

i always do a quick format, and if i am concerned about the integrity of the hdd, i'll run chkdsk or other such type util.

hrdwareguy · 05-07-2003, 10:22 AM

And I thought all the quick format did was erase the MBR and Fat Tables

BUDD206 · 05-07-2003, 04:12 PM

I always use the full format on disk, I used the quick format on a 3.5 and lost 35 pictures that could not be replaced.

The_Dude · 05-07-2003, 07:40 PM

i think that the quick format only deletes the first letter of the files on the disk.

so, it is pretty easily recoverable.

munchini · 05-09-2003, 12:41 PM

if you really wanna format.. do a zero fill - replaces every bit with a zero - ensures that everything is erased if you're paranoid about that kind of thing

oberon · 05-09-2003, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by munchini
if you really wanna format.. do a zero fill - replaces every bit with a zero - ensures that everything is erased if you're paranoid about that kind of thing

Actually, a skilled person with a STEM (scanning tunneling electron microscope) could still extract the data.

The tried-and-true way to get rid of data permanently is to write 00 and then FF (hex digits - two is one byte).. 7 times in a row. Why the magic number 7? Not sure...

Well, if you want to be extremely paranoid... you can melt the drives.

mpedrummer2 · 05-09-2003, 06:59 PM

7 isn't really a magic number, it's the government specification for data shredding.

reverendjay · 05-11-2003, 11:22 PM

hrdwareguy I believe that you are correct sir. In the DOS Days all a format /q did was wipe FAT and MBR. I believe that the XP/2k holdover is very similar. Wipe out the File Table and Boot record and Whammo, clean drive.

05-07-2003, 03:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jesus Pimp The Original JizzSmacka	Format Vs Quick Format Is there any difference between Format and Quick format especially for hard drives besides format takes a helluva longer? __________________ Never date anyone who doesn't make your dick hard.

05-07-2003, 10:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
hrdwareguy "Officer, I was in fear for my life" Location: Oklahoma City	And I thought all the quick format did was erase the MBR and Fat Tables __________________ Gun Control is hitting what you aim at Aim for the TFP, Donate Today

05-07-2003, 07:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	i think that the quick format only deletes the first letter of the files on the disk. so, it is pretty easily recoverable. __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

05-09-2003, 06:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
mpedrummer2 Insane	7 isn't really a magic number, it's the government specification for data shredding. __________________ My sig can beat up your honor student.

05-11-2003, 11:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
reverendjay Insane Location: Baltimore	hrdwareguy I believe that you are correct sir. In the DOS Days all a format /q did was wipe FAT and MBR. I believe that the XP/2k holdover is very similar. Wipe out the File Table and Boot record and Whammo, clean drive. __________________ I'm married now, so the only thing in my house that pulls out now is the couch.

05-07-2003, 04:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
BUDD206 Upright	I always use the full format on disk, I used the quick format on a 3.5 and lost 35 pictures that could not be replaced.

05-09-2003, 12:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
munchini Psycho Location: Chair	if you really wanna format.. do a zero fill - replaces every bit with a zero - ensures that everything is erased if you're paranoid about that kind of thing