Fast Format VS Slow Format?

[Jethro]

I see that often XP will give me the choice of fast format versus
regular format. The latter of course is much slower than the former.
Briefly, what is the difference exactly between the two and when is
one advisable over the other?

Thanks

Jethro

 

[Shaun]

The fast one just writes over the map or pointers to where the files are
actually stored on the disk. The slow format erases everything on the disk,
and not just the map.

 

[DanS]

The fast one just writes over the map or pointers to where the files
are actually stored on the disk. The slow format erases everything on
the disk, and not just the map.

Partially true.

A fast format can only be used on drives that have already been formatted
before.

A 'slow' format does not erase everything on the disk. If it did, you
couldn't use an 'unformat' utility. FDisk does not erase a drive either.

 

[Jethro]

Partially true.

A fast format can only be used on drives that have already been formatted
before.

A 'slow' format does not erase everything on the disk. If it did, you
couldn't use an 'unformat' utility. FDisk does not erase a drive either.

Thanks guys.

 

[paulmd]

Partially true.

A fast format can only be used on drives that have already been formatted
before.

It CAN be used on never before formatted or wiped drives. It's just
that it doesn't check for errors.