new windows install question?

[housedad]

Is there any reason to do a low level hard drive format before reinstalling Windows?


I have done a quick format and a low level on an older system that was full of problems (I was trying anything I could find to help). I did not know if it would make a cleaner install or not.
My system has been running well for 18 months or so, but recently has started to slow down and give errors. I wanted to reinstall the best way I could because I have enjoyed the long reliable service of my machine.

If you are curious it is a P3 500 on a tyan s1854 board. Not overclocked.

By the way I am not an overclocker, but I appreciate all the information I learn on this site. Thanks for pushing the envelope and letting some of us just watch and learn.

[dugans]

IF I remember right, which is always in question, a low level format will just attempt writing data to all the sectors(*?) on the drive- including any that have been marked BAD since it was last low level format. This can actually cause MORE problems- since the sectors are bad, you risk losing data again. Just go with a regular fdisk/format and you'll be better off.

*- sector, or whatever the smallest unit is called. Time for a Basics refresher course for me!

[housedad]

thanks,

I dont think I have any bad sectors on this drive, but this clears up what a low level format is anyway. Now that I know what it does I know I have no need of running a low level format.

[Jon]

Low level formatting is actually not very good for hard drives. It is done once at the manufacturers and that is all that is ever recommended for it.

In very extreme cases which would involve a handful of nasty viruses or suspicion of failure, it may be alright to attempt a low level format. Otherwise, a regular FDISK and format is plenty to clean your drive.