Format vs Format (Quick)

[Bob Johnson]

I'm rebuilding a computer and installing XP Pro. As part of the rebuilding
process I deleted the existing partition, created a new one, and now I'm
formatting it with NTFS. I have two options - Format and Format (Quick).

What is the difference between the "Quick" option and the other [not quick]
option?

Thanks.

 

[jorgen]

What is the difference between the "Quick" option and the other [not quick]
option?

quick format will not scan for bad sectors.

 

[Lil' Dave]

I'm rebuilding a computer and installing XP Pro. As part of the rebuilding
process I deleted the existing partition, created a new one, and now I'm
formatting it with NTFS. I have two options - Format and Format (Quick).

What is the difference between the "Quick" option and the other [not
quick] option?

Thanks.

A quick format simply resets the file table. As far as the file table is
concerned, no files exist. Even though the file data is still on the hard
drive. No mapping is involved in this process. The possible file locations
is assumed unchanged. On new partitions, it assumes all possible file data
locations can store data properly. See below.


Formatting (not quick) is available for use on a newly created partition,
and also, a previously created partition. Works both the same way for
either case. During the process, the formatting checks locations of the
partition on the hard drive for possible file locations and maps these for
the file table. Inaccessible locations are not allotted locatiions for
possible file locations. XP partitioning performs the formatting process on
new partitions. Its not a separate process.
Dave

 

[kimiraikkonen]

I'm rebuilding a computer and installing XP Pro. As part of the rebuilding
process I deleted the existing partition, created a new one, and now I'm
formatting it with NTFS. I have two options - Format and Format (Quick).

What is the difference between the "Quick" option and the other [not
quick] option?

Thanks.

A quick format simply resets the file table. As far as the file table is
concerned, no files exist. Even though the file data is still on the hard
drive. No mapping is involved in this process. The possible file locations
is assumed unchanged. On new partitions, it assumes all possible file data
locations can store data properly. See below.

Formatting (not quick) is available for use on a newly created partition,
and also, a previously created partition. Works both the same way for
either case. During the process, the formatting checks locations of the
partition on the hard drive for possible file locations and maps these for
the file table. Inaccessible locations are not allotted locatiions for
possible file locations. XP partitioning performs the formatting process on
new partitions. Its not a separate process.
Dave

Quick format may erase previously marked bad blocks.