A quick format creates the file system structure on the volume without
verifying the integrity of every sector in the volume, which increases the
formatting speed. If the volume is already formatted and you are sure the
disk is not damaged, you can use this option. A full format identifies and
tracks bad sectors so that they are not used for storing data. More info
here http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prkc_fil_hzfx.asp