Format question

[KBD]

I want to format my HD before putting stuff back on it and i have a question. I want to perform a full format not quick when i go to Computer Management in the Control Panel and right click on the drive and select format i'll be getting a full format right? Also what is allocation unit size, should i leave that at default?

[JrRacinFan]

You can choose between a full format and quick format in Disk management. To also add, you can partition there also.

EDIT: Just leave allocation unit size as default. It truly has no major performance increase.

[Kreij]

Not sure why you want to do a full as opposed to a quick.
Anyway, if you open Windows Explorer and right click on the drive and do "format" it should allow you to select "full".

The default allocation size is fine. The default is set for a combination of large and small files.
If you know that you are only going to have a tone of small files or very few large files, then there is a little advatage to be gained by setting the size manually, but for most users this is not the case.

[AsRock]

Not sure why you want to do a full as opposed to a quick.
Anyway, if you open Windows Explorer and right click on the drive and do "format" it should allow you to select "full".

The default allocation size is fine. The default is set for a combination of large and small files.
If you know that you are only going to have a tone of small files or very few large files, then there is a little advatage to be gained by setting the size manually, but for most users this is not the case.


Full format checks for disk errors were quick does not.

[Kreij]

Full format checks for disk errors were quick does not.

You can do the same thing with a DskChk.
I am not saying that you should not do a full format, just that if you do not suspect any media degredation there is really no need, and it's a lot quicker.

I do full formats on the removable media that I use for backups on a regular basis, but rarely on permanent drives. I just run DskChk every few months and have not had any problems.

[KBD]

Thanx to all of you for clearing this up!

:toast:

[Kreij]

Our pleasure KBD.
Feel free to pick our brains with any questions in the future.