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Thread ID: 81036 2007-07-13 09:25:00 Hard Drive reformatt Espresso_Addict (8458) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
568798 2007-07-15 22:42:00 Yes, a clean start is good, but a mass delete of all files will do that as well. I don't see the need to reformat every time a clean start is required.

In the whole time I have been doing IT support I think I've only ever reformatted 2 hard drives - and both were due to faulty sector tables.

In fact, I've seen instances where reformatting actually does more harm than good.
supertrouper (6665)
568799 2007-07-15 22:47:00 And how exactly can u mass delete files when most of them are in use??

Not the brightest idea. After doing that you would have to reformat, as it'll be screwed.

How or what do you do after then?? Reinstall Windows over Windows?

Not always a good idea either. Its called lazy.

A clean install is better. If you want to partition it as well before you format, then want to reinstall.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
568800 2007-07-15 23:22:00 In fact, I've seen instances where reformatting actually does more harm than good.
Just out of curiosity, what sort of harm was that ?
Joe Blogs (35)
568801 2007-07-16 01:13:00 Just out of curiosity, what sort of harm was that ?

Probably when people suddenly discover that a swag of important files they forgot to backup are now gone. :rolleyes:
FoxyMX (5)
568802 2007-07-16 01:42:00 Probably when people suddenly discover that a swag of important files they forgot to backup are now gone. :rolleyes:True, but that is really not harm caused by formatting, more a result of not backing up :rolleyes: Joe Blogs (35)
568803 2007-07-16 03:11:00 True, but that is really not harm caused by formatting, more a result of not backing up :rolleyes:

Exactly you know what they say, backup, backup, backup.

I've heard that it's not a good idea to do a lot of Low level formatting on a HDD, but AFAIK Low level formatting isn't done off a windows install disc.

I have formatted many drives and have never had a problem.

The only true way to get a "clean" install if you ask me
radium (8645)
568804 2007-07-16 03:29:00 here's a thought, once you've finished and got everything working and all shiny, fresh & clean - use a disk imaging program such as acronis - or seagates disk tools ( free limited acronis for seagate owners ) to make a bootable backup disk. Alternatively a bootable CD with the imaging software and an image file on a seperate partiton is a good alternative.

Next time you can then re-install windows in a few minutes with no hassles at all, with all your settings and core software all setup and ready to go.

As it is if you re-install you may need to re-activate windows, which may require a phone call to microsofts help disk to explain why you need to re-activate and get a new key to input - not really that difficult but annoying all the same.

As well as making sure you have drivers for all your hardware and installers for all your program make sure you back up your E-maill address book, Browser bookmarks etc.

I like to go through the HDD folder at a time and make sure I haven't missed anything - doesn't take as long as you'd think
dugimodo (138)
568805 2007-07-16 03:34:00 here's a thought, once you've finished and got everything working and all shiny, fresh & clean - use a disk imaging program such as acronis - or seagates disk tools ( free limited acronis for seagate owners ) to make a bootable backup disk. Alternatively a bootable CD with the imaging software and an image file on a seperate partiton is a good alternative.

Next time you can then re-install windows in a few minutes with no hassles at all, with all your settings and core software all setup and ready to go.

As it is if you re-install you may need to re-activate windows, which may require a phone call to microsofts help disk to explain why you need to re-activate and get a new key to input - not really that difficult but annoying all the same.

As well as making sure you have drivers for all your hardware and installers for all your program make sure you back up your E-maill address book, Browser bookmarks etc.

I like to go through the HDD folder at a time and make sure I haven't missed anything - doesn't take as long as you'd think

As a side note, the storage partition which the imaged file is, is also a great place for your docs, so you dont lose them after re-imaging...
SolMiester (139)
568806 2007-07-16 03:41:00 True, but that is really not harm caused by formatting, more a result of not backing up :rolleyes:

Yes I know. I was being a bit smart with that reply as I too would like to know what kind of harm can be done by formatting. Losing data is the only thing I can think of. :rolleyes:
FoxyMX (5)
568807 2007-07-17 02:27:00 In fact, I've seen instances where reformatting actually does more harm than good.

Still waiting for a reply as to what kind of harm might that be?
FoxyMX (5)
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