I'm reformatting and reinstalling Windows XP on a 5 year old Dell Dimension 8200.
Does it matter if I choose quick format instead of full format? Would quick format somehow hurt the computer's performance?
2007-10-02 04:45:02 · 7 answers · asked by j p 2000 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Makes no difference, you could do a quick one. I never relaly got why you have full and quick besidesthe time-saving aspect of it. If you got the time I guess a full wouldn't hurt. :)
2007-10-02 04:48:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Quick format leaves all the data on the disk while full wipes it completely. That is not normally a problem but if you are trying to clean up an especially nasty virus a full format is sometimes better. Otherwise quick works just fine.
Bert
2007-10-02 12:01:37 · answer #2 · answered by Bert C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is Windows giving you a problem or is the computer acting strangely?
Would you consider a Windows Repair first, then spend sometime on cleaning up the HD yourself? If so, here is a link for that:
WindowsXP System Restore – excellent link – explains with graphics
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx
WindowsXP Repair Explained
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/options_to_use_when_a_system_will_not_start.mspx?mfr=true
WindowsXP Repair Tools
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%20to%20Repair%20Windows%20XP%20by%20Installing%20Over%20top%20of%20Existing%20Setup:
http://www.download-download-this.com/4.html?OVRAW=Windows%20Installer%20corrupted&OVKEY=window%20installer&OVMTC=advanced
Fix and/or Repair Windows
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm
http://www.onsitechicago.com/support/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=23&nav=0
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If you are set on formatting and reinstalling, I would suggest a full format. No sense going through format if you're not going to clean up the whole thing - however - be sure to first copy any files you want to some sort of external storage. Format erases everything.
2007-10-02 11:58:36 · answer #3 · answered by TheHumbleOne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A quick format simply erases "Sector 0," which the computer uses as an index. Everything is still there, it's just inconveniently difficult to access.
A full format erases every sector on the HDD. Things are still recoverable with the proper programs, but are extremely difficult to access.
2007-10-02 11:51:07 · answer #4 · answered by jcurrieii 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi, I suggest that u download a diagnostic tool from ur hard disk manufacturer's website and do a proper erase from that. It will turn ur disk exactly the way it was when u bought it and its impossible to recover any data on top of it. It can also test ur hard disk for any errors. Then while installing Windows choose the quick format option. You can also use kill disk if u like.
Good Luck!
2007-10-02 11:55:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If TIME matters to you, a quick format will do. It also would not hurt your computer's performance.
2007-10-02 12:07:42 · answer #6 · answered by Jo V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The full format will scan for bad sectors while it is formatting. I would recommend doing the full format.
2007-10-02 11:51:46 · answer #7 · answered by Jim V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋