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If you’re one of the people that has yet to bring windows Vista and 7 into your mainstream life (and have to reinstall windows XP on a regular basis) one thing you might be asking yourself is: What exactly, does that ‘(Quick Format)’ option during windows XP setup mean exactly? (Other than that a regular format takes significantly longer.)
The Microsoft Knowledge base describes the difference thusly:
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.
Bad sectors contribute to a number of problems having to do with the operation of a computer, and can be the cause of many a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). So, if you’re re-formatting after one of these problems, take the time to do the regular format – it will help in the long run.
ok, so I need your help on this very subject! My new laptop is XP, but I have the 7 download. I’ve also added a wireless router (I know…not a damn thing in common, but just giving you all the dirt!) and none of it is working together!!!! Um, can you remote in and fix all my problems??? See…I’m your first “problem” for 2010!!!