Formatting a hard drive returns it to its original state.
The notion of formatting is used in the field of computing to refer to the action of formatting something (a disk, a document, etc.). Before moving forward with the definition, therefore, it is important to focus on the concept of format.
The format , in this framework, is the structure that a resource has to allow the storage of data . Generally the term refers to the division into tracks and fields of a hard disk ( hard drive ) according to each operating system.
What is formatting
It can be said that formatting is a process that encompasses different operations, whether logical or physical , that make it possible for a disk, a USB memory, etc., to recover its original state . This way the device can be used again to store new data.
In practice, formatting usually consists of erasing the information that was stored on the disk. Thus, this elimination makes the storage unit “clean” and ready for new use.
What is sought when formatting is to recover the initial format of the disk. In other words, it is intended to return to the factory settings. The disk, thanks to formatting, is prepared so that the user can install the programs they want and save the files they want.
Different processes
A disk can be formatted in different ways. A low-level format or physical format is developed by passing the disk's writing head through the various sectors of the drive, marking them as empty. Low-level formatting, then, completely deletes the files , without the possibility of recovery.
High-level formatting or logical formatting , on the other hand, removes details and references from files, disabling them and causing them to be lost. There are no physical modifications, but rather the file table allocations and sector sizes are altered. Therefore, with the help of certain programs , data can be recovered.
Due to their characteristics , both types of formatting are carried out at different speeds. Low level formatting is slower compared to high level formatting.
Formatting a computer's disk can help improve computer performance.
Why format a disk
Everyday use of a computer usually includes creating and deleting documents; changes to folders; installing and uninstalling software and other actions that may affect the operation of your computer. These actions generate unnecessary files and can cause errors that often make the computer slow and unstable.
When detecting the origin of the failures is complex and performance cannot be improved with operating system tools or with the use of external programs, the option to format takes center stage. Once the formatting is done, the disk is ready to restart its activity in an optimal way.
Issues to consider
It is important to know that formatting a disk can have irreversible consequences or, at least, difficult to resolve. That is why it is key to carry out certain steps before starting the process.
It is essential to back up your files. Photos, text documents, music , and other content are lost during formatting.
On the other hand, you must have an operating system available to proceed with its installation after formatting. Otherwise, it will not be possible for the computer to have this basic program again.