Barracuda XT, Barracuda, Barracuda Green, DiamondMax and other desktop SATA and IDE drives

[kamleshrao]

I follow a practice of performing a Full Format of any new Seagate Hard Drives that I purchase.  In my opinion, the full format will show you any problems with the Hard Disk and it will be then safe to install the OS and Programs.

Is my above understanding correct?  Do we really need to do a full format of a new Hard Disk?

I would love to continue Full Format, but my problem is that as the technology is improving the Hard Disk size is growing.  Recently, a full format of 2TB external drive took around 20 hours.  Is it worth spending this much of time?

Eagerly waiting for the expert opinion!

PS: I use NTFS for all my Internal Hard Drives.

[Cantbecanit]

No real need to full format, NTFS quick is the ideal way to do it, then as you fill the drive up it becomes as if you'd done a full one.

Most essential thing is to either slave format through an existing sata drive, or use the pre - install driver when formatting through a Win set up disk.

[myforum]

A "Full Format" of any Hard Drives is a good approach when dealing with old drives as wear and tear (internal mechanical components) built up over time. This would also help discover any hidden problems the drive might have. However, as drive capacity is getting larger and larger, this process will take for ever.

For many years, I've used Seagate DiscWizard for "Add New Disk" to prepare a drive before installing the OS, "Image Backup/Restore" later, for my Seagate/Maxtor drives ranging from 8GB to 1.5TB, as needed. It's quick and simple.

Additionally, you'll also have the option for formatting your drive during any OS installation. It would take about 20 - 30 minutes as most depending on your system.