Windows 7: Low Level Format vs Clean All/Unconditional Format

vidya · 30 Nov 2011

I have a few questions and one of them is, what is the difference between an unconditional format and a diskpart's Clean All in the command prompt. When I read their definitions online I don't know what they differ in.

If anyone could be as so kind to enlighten me on the topic, I'd thank you alot!

ignatzatsonic · 30 Nov 2011

I'm not sure if Clean All checks for and isolates bad sectors. An unconditional format is supposed to fully test the surface before building tables.

I'd be interested in definitive info myself.

theog · 30 Nov 2011

Have a read of this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

vidya · 30 Nov 2011

Also, I'm sort of OCD about my hard drive so I want to pretty much reset it to factory settings, I know I'd have to do multiple pass throughs but I'll be using it so I'll be just doing the 1. Should I run chkdsk before or after it? And what switches should I use with it for instance /f/r etc.

If it helps: im running windows 7 boot off a usb

vidya · 30 Nov 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by theog

Have a read of this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Thanks, but it doesn't really answer my question but it's enlightened me on some other things

thank you.

vidya · 30 Nov 2011

I've found that my Samsung HDD has a low level format utility I can download from their site. As I want to fully factory reset my HDD will this do this better than an unconditional format/format/diskpart's clean all?

Would a low level format do the same as 'diskpart clean all'/ the rest be better?

(Time is not a problem, I just want it factory-like restored, I know it isn't possible to be exactly like it)

vidya · 30 Nov 2011

How do I recover from the recovery partition. Also, is it hidden because when I list partitions and volumes nothing comes up.

My HDD was OEM so it wouldn't come with it would it?

vidya · 30 Nov 2011

hd103sj

theog · 30 Nov 2011

Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

for Recovery Partition:
Tap the F4 Key at the Samsung logo when you first power on the computer.

How to use Samsung Recovery, make Recovery disks:
Get Downloads, Firmware, Manuals and Software for Samsung NP-RF511-S02US#
What Is Samsung Recovery Solution III?
What Is Samsung Recovery Solution 4?

Get Downloads, Firmware, Manuals and Software for Samsung NP-RF511-S02US#

DeaconFrost · 30 Nov 2011

A consumer can't actually "low level format" a drive. Those utilities mainly just refer to wiping the entire drive with ones or zeros to blank and type of data and formatting, including boot sector info.

There's also very little need to do anything like that, especially if you are keeping and re-using the drive. A simple diskpart /clean would do the trick.

Windows 7: Low Level Format vs Clean All/Unconditional Format

Low Level Format vs Clean All/Unconditional Format problems?