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Fast format/Format, difference?

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Name: fiskgunnar
Date: December 1, 2004 at 12:35:48 Pacific
OS: WinXP Pro
CPU/Ram: P4 2,4ghz / 1gb Ddram
Comment:

Hi!

When I install WinXP I get to choose if I wish to format my drive. I can either choose "fast" / "quick" format (my XP is swedish so I don't know for sure what word is used in the english version) or I can choose "full" format.

What's the difference? Any advanteges with either one?

Thanks

Petri



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Response Number 1
Name: Misse
Date: December 1, 2004 at 12:49:16 Pacific
Reply:

For a new, empty HDD the quick one, and for a used one, the long wait. ....Is a good general rule, where I come from :)
The difference is, that the disk is also scanned for bad sectors using the chkdsk command with "normal" format.


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Response Number 2
Name: XpUser
Date: December 1, 2004 at 12:51:53 Pacific
Reply:

To further misse's good explanation...

Assume your file system is FAT32, quick format merely removes the File allocation table. Normal format is a long process that actually format the HD as Misse have stated.

i_XpUser


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