Windows 7 Forums Search
Welcome to Windows 7 Forums. Our forum is dedicated to helping you find solutions with any problems, errors or issues you are experiencing with Windows 7. The Windows 7 forum also covers news and updates and has an extensive Windows 7 tutorial section that covers a wide range of tips and tricks.


Windows 7 - Does Formatting a drive replaces the need to defrag it?

 
02-05-2012   #1


Win7 Pro SP1 64
 
 

Does Formatting a drive replaces the need to defrag it?

I've been wanting to reinstall Windows on a formatted drive for a time now. Recently a problem came up which the solution for is to defrag my drive.

Will formatting the drive remove the need to defrag it afterwards? I mean, a bunch of nothing is as orderly as it can be...

My System SpecsSystem Spec
02-05-2012   #2


 


No, a format does not defrag.

When you clean reinstall it will format the partition before install even if you don't do it yourself. It's just a minor preparation step, not some big erasure or Disk Check that many think.

Defragging does order the HD better and is good to do occasionally after running awhile. I use free Puran Defragger for it's boot time defrag which gets at System files. You can also have it do a Full Disk Check at the same time which checks and repairs the Files system which lives on the HD. Any more serious problems should be tested by running the HD maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan.

Adapt these steps to get a perfect clean reinstall of Windows 7: Reinstalling Windows 7

Last edited by gregrocker; 02-05-2012 at 10:10 PM.. Reason: state the obvious clearer.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
02-05-2012   #3


Win7 Pro SP1 64
 
 


Thanks for the quick reply but I don't think you understood my answer?
Basically it was, does formatting does what defragging supposed to do + delete everything? does format>defrag?
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.


02-05-2012   #4


Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Windows XP SP3, Ubuntu 10.04
 
 

Built-in Defragger

Don't forget that Windows 7 has a built-in Defragger.
It automatically defrags your HDD (scheduled for 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM Wednesday mornings).
You can also run it manually.

That said, I use Piriform's Defraggler (before I create my monthly backup images).

IIRC:
Formatting "deletes" the directory/file allocation table (quick).
Low level formatting overwrites the blocks (slow).

If you format your HDD, you don't have to defrag it, as there is "nothing" on it.

Last edited by lehnerus2000; 02-05-2012 at 09:50 PM.. Reason: Additional
My System SpecsSystem Spec
02-05-2012   #5


Systems 1 and 2: Windows 7 Enterprise x64, Win 8 Developer
 
 


The purpose of defragging a drive is to organize files contiguously. When a drive has been formatted, the index is erased and allows the computer to write to each block. Therefore defragging is not needed afterward.

As an aside, I don't think Win 7 does a low level format (not sure). Gparted, for example, does allow a low level format.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
02-05-2012   #6


Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Windows XP SP3, Ubuntu 10.04
 
 

Command Prompt

Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by Lemur View Post
As an aside, I don't think Win 7 does a low level format (not sure). Gparted, for example, does allow a low level format.
I think that you need to use the "Command Prompt" to do that.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
02-05-2012   #7


Systems 1 and 2: Windows 7 Enterprise x64, Win 8 Developer
 
 


Duh. I should just follow Brink's tutorial on llf using diskpart.

Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command
My System SpecsSystem Spec
02-05-2012   #8


Win7 Pro SP1 64
 
 


Thanks lehnerus2000, that's what I needed to know.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Reply

 Does Formatting a drive replaces the need to defrag it? problems?



Thread Tools



Similar Threads for: Does Formatting a drive replaces the need to defrag it?
Thread Forum
Solved Flash drive Formatting need help!!!! Hardware & Devices
How important is the formatting on the drive? Installation & Setup
Help formatting my old XP drive General Discussion
sata drive needs formatting General Discussion
Need help formatting a drive for W7 Installation & Setup


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:30 AM.



Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized,
sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation.
"Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
© Designer Media Ltd
  

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30