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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
568818	2007-07-18 06:54:00	Well I bet they wouldnt come to you, if they knew how you fixed up their systems	Speedy Gonzales (78)
568819	2007-07-18 07:39:00	Well I bet they wouldnt come to you, if they knew how you fixed up their systems I think we are all coming to that conclusion S.	Cicero (40)
568820	2007-07-18 08:03:00	I think we are all coming to that conclusion S. I second that	radium (8645)
568821	2007-07-18 09:10:00	I second that I will third that :D	The_End_Of_Reality (334)
568822	2007-07-19 13:33:00	Well I bet they wouldnt come to you, if they knew how you fixed up their systems Oh yes, what is that supposed to mean?	supertrouper (6665)
568823	2007-07-19 14:53:00	What he means is that if your customers knew that the method you used to "fix" their faulty systems was by simply deleting any and all files you saw and thought were "useless" . When they ask for a re-format, I think most people would expect you or anyone else to actually re-format the drive(s) and re-install all necessary software/drivers rather than simply delete files which btw just means that you are deleting the record of that file, not the file itself . Those files still stay on the drive until they are overwritten which is exactly what a re-format would do and give the computer a clean start once again .	beeswax34 (63)
568824	2007-07-20 12:51:00	What he means is that if your customers knew that the method you used to "fix" their faulty systems was by simply deleting any and all files you saw and thought were "useless" . When they ask for a re-format, I think most people would expect you or anyone else to actually re-format the drive(s) and re-install all necessary software/drivers rather than simply delete files which btw just means that you are deleting the record of that file, not the file itself . Those files still stay on the drive until they are overwritten which is exactly what a re-format would do and give the computer a clean start once again . Ok, seeing as we have this can of worms open, let's look at it properly . If a system needs the OS reinstalling, then there are functions built into the installation disc (as in the case of XP) which allow the removal of the old OS by the install process, before the new one is installed . I have never had a problem with this, even with hard drives that have been totally screwed over . Yes there are times when I will delete files - ONLY if it is necessary, and after all of the client's data has been fully backed up (if required) . I didn't refer to any files as being "useless" . That was your comment, and I don't just go through and delete files at random . If I have a computer that has an issue, my first response is not to "reformat because that will cure everything" . IF the hard drive has sector issues etc, YES I will reformat it . I am not saying that reformatting is to be avoided, just that it doesn't need to be done as often as people seem to think it does . I don't get people asking me for a reformat . Usually they say "my computer won't work" and I tell them what the problem may be, and set about rectifying it . Finally, contrary to your suggestion, formatting does NOT overwrite old or deleted files . A simple hard drive format will not permanently erase data . Even after formatting the hard drive, deleted files can be easily recovered . I know, because forensic work and data recovery is also something I do . [If a client has sensitive data on their drive that they need gone, I will erase it with a 7 pass wipe, which is more then enough to withstand even electron microscopy analysis . ]	supertrouper (6665)
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