Data on the harddrive after format

[Capt. Picard]

Say an application was on a computer and then the computer got formatted (quick format) and you then install the same program again. Can some profile data still be read from the harddrive by the application?

[rewt]

If that application is an application that does data recovery, then yes.

When you quick format (or even full format) a hard disk, data is not erased. AFAIK Windows itself has never been able to erase data during a format. I've always needed to use special tools for that.

[Burner_Tbird2]

I don't think that's what he's talking about. I think he's saying a possible conflict between the old and new software from b/f the format.

As far as windows in concerned that old reformatted data doesn't exist, its been earmarked as 'blank' which is why you need a special program to recover the data. So if you're seeing a recurring problem after a reformat I would look toward installation procedures, or possible hardware issues.

What exactly is the issue you're having?

[rewt]

I don't think that's what he's talking about.

Why not? You just said the same thing as me, but worded differently.

[Burner_Tbird2]

Why would he have a data recovery program on a hard drive he hasn't reformatted yet...

Let's just see what the Capt. has to say (lee63)

[rewt]

Maybe you need a quick lesson on if statements..

If that application is an application that does data recovery, then yes
else
then no

[evilghost]

Say an application was on a computer and then the computer got formatted (quick format) and you then install the same program again. Can some profile data still be read from the harddrive by the application?

No, the application will not be able to read any existing profile data after the quick format.

A quick format simply marks existing data on the disk as available and is destroyed as data is written to it. Data is accessible even during a full format; the disk must be "wiped" before data can be recovered. Wiping consists of erasing/deleting files on the same sector N times. Recovery of data must be performed by specialized applications.

[einstein_314]

Say an application was on a computer and then the computer got formatted (quick format) and you then install the same program again. Can some profile data still be read from the harddrive by the application?
Ummmm, no. You would need to use a data recovery program to recover the data that was lost...

[evilghost]

Ummmm, no. You would need to use a data recovery program to recover the data that was lost...

//TODO: Insert negative comment about Windows Vista to anger einstein_314

[DiscipleDOC]

//TODO: Insert negative comment about Windows Vista to anger einstein_314
:rofl

[einstein_314]

//TODO: Insert negative comment about Windows Vista to anger einstein_314
:rofl

It doesn't really anger me that much....because you make good points... :D

[evilghost]

:rofl

It doesn't really anger me that much....because you make good points... :D

I really do most of it because I think it's funny and it cures boredom really well. I enjoy railing you guys about Win32 products. (nana2)