If you know your HDD doesn't have issues, a quick format will be fine. A full format just wastes time, as it scans the entire hard drive for errors.
When you choose to run a Full format on a volume, files are removed from the volume that you are formatting and the hard disk is scanned for bad sectors. The scan for bad sectors is the reason why the Full format takes twice as long as the Quick format.
If you choose the Quick format option, the format removes files from the partition, but does not scan the disk for bad sectors. This option is best when your hard disk has been previously formatted and you are sure that your hard disk is not damaged nor has bad sectors. This can be a problem later because bad sectors that are not located can cause damage to the hard drive. For example, if data is later installed on this “bad sector”, the data will read errors or as corrupted files.
Up to and including XP. A full format just checks for errors. Quick does not. In Vista and 7 a full does a rewrite pass over the entire drive.
Didn't know the diff either. I will say going to the trouble and issues with windows and doing quick and reinstalling and getting updates ive had the same issues.
From Microsoft quote:
When you choose to run a regular format on a volume, files are removed from the volume that you are formatting and the hard disk is scanned for bad sectors. The scan for bad sectors is responsible for the majority of the time that it takes to format a volume.
If you choose the Quick format option, format removes files from the partition, but does not scan the disk for bad sectors. Only use this option if your hard disk has been previously formatted and you are sure that your hard disk is not damaged.
Also seems to be different with window environment. Vista, XP, windows 7 etc. they do it different. Didn't follow up completely.
Kill disc is a good program. works well for one military wipe. its in the software freeware section. the pay ver does many wipes using different algorithms.
I am crazy enough to always perform ONE PASS ZEROS method with the kill disk first and then run a FULL FORMAT lol.
I never use QUICK.Of course my way will take a lot more time,but I guess that's just me xD
There is no full format in windows 7 & vista.
think its called upgrade or and custom. Im using windows 7 Pro retail. It did happen.