Format old HDD?

[MadSupra354]

I built a new gaming rig, I have 1 main drive and another (old) drive. My old drive's full of my old Packard Bell settings, OS files ect, but I've copied the most important files to my main drive, and what I wish to do, is wipe the old drive so I can use it as a backup. Should I just delete everything with the mouse, or format the drive? And if format, should I select 'Quick Format'?

 

[Wallonn7]

The full format is most recommended in case of HDD used for long period as appears to be the case.

 

[Clinkz]

Also, if you plan to use it as a backup i would suggest running SeaTools on the drive. It wouldn't be helpful if your only backup failed because of an issue with the drive you were unaware of. And yes a Full format for the drive is the go.

 

[Wallonn7]

Also, if you plan to use it as a backup i would suggest running SeaTools on the drive. It wouldn't be helpful if your only backup failed because of an issue with the drive you were unaware of. And yes a Full format for the drive is the go.

Thanks for adding!

 

[MadSupra354]

OK Thanks for the reply. 1 More thing: When I right-click the drive and click 'Format...' should I have 'Quick Format' ticked, and what does is the difference?
Woohoo for 100 posts!

 

[Clinkz]

Quick format only removes files from the partition, it doesn't scan the disk for bad sectors. Have quick format unchecked for the first format.

 

[TVeblen]

Just to add:

Quick format just erases the MFT (Master File Table), but the actual data remains on the platter (just the OS no longer can figure out where it is).

Full Format erases the MFT and scans the disk for bad sectors as Clinkz said, but the data still remains on the platter.

I like to "wipe" old drives using a utility that writes either all 0s or all 1s to every sector on the drive. A little overkill - yes.