Formatting a hard drive

[Xylob the Destroyer]

I have just completely wiped (zero filled) a hard drive.
Now it's time to install Windows.

Should I format the drive using the MaxBlast software supplied by the hard drive manufacturer (Maxtor)
Or should I format the drive using the Windows XP installation disc

It is a Maxtor 40Gig DiamondMax Plus drive and I want to get as much usable space as possible.

If one of these methods is better than the other, what makes it better

Please help, I want to do this first thing tomorrow morning.

Thanks in advance

[redwudz]

I've always let XP do the formatting and partitioning. From the FAQ on the Maxtor site about Maxblast, it says "It is currently recommended to use Window's XP to format and partition your drive if the BIOS supports the full capacity of the drive."

The Maxblast disc is very handy for diagnostics and fixing problems with a hard drive, though.

[budz]

I haven't had any problems using Maxblast to format and partition a hard drive. I've always used the utility that came with a hard drive to format and partition.

with redwudz that Maxblast is good to use for diagnostics and fixing hard drive problems.

[dipstick]

Use the XP install disk to do the Partitioning and Formation.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

...From the FAQ on the Maxtor site about Maxblast, it says "It is currently recommended to use Window's XP to format and partition your drive if the BIOS supports the full capacity of the drive."...

I know, I read that too, and that's why I'm confused. The directions that came with MaxBlast say "Maxtor strongly recommends that all Windows customers use the MaxBlast installation software, rather
than FDISK or the Windows Disk Management tool, to partition and format the hard drive."

page 8

MaxBlast English.pdf WinRar compressed!

[Xylob the Destroyer]

dammit, it's too big, even rar'ed

[thevoelk]

Use Windows XP's installation. I guess you're probably aware of this, but Wnndows XP will see there's no OS on the drive and most likely automatically boot. Also, Windows XP's quick format can format and partition the drive in less than 10 seconds.

[redwudz]

The Maxblast FAQ may be just covering liability with that statement so you don't blame them if things get messed up. (The newbie factor; "I used your program and now all my treasured files are gone.' )

I believe, at least in the past, that their reformatting engine is the same one XP uses anyway. Either one will work fine. If you wanted to have many partitions, Maxblast would be easier to use, though I favor a single partition.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

i decided not to have multiple partitions this time
the MaxBlast software formatted and partitioned the drive in about a second
currently installing SP2...