What happens to a disk when it is formatted?
http://www.ehow.com/about_6661021_happens-format-disk_.html
Disk or hard drive ... it's the same concept.
Thanks!
When a disk is formatted, all the data on the disk is erased or deleted. The process of formatting prepares the disk to be used by an operating system or other storage system. Here is an explanation of what happens to a disk when it is formatted:
1. Initialization: During the formatting process, the disk is initialized, which means that the storage system on the disk is set up and structured to hold data.
2. Partitioning: The disk is divided into sections called partitions. Each partition functions as a separate logical drive, and it can be assigned its own file system.
3. File System Creation: A file system is created on each partition. The file system is the system that organizes and manages files on the disk, including how data is stored, accessed, and retrieved. Examples of file systems include NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT.
4. Data Erasure: During formatting, the file system table, which stores information about the files and their locations on the disk, is initialized and cleared. This process erases all data on the disk.
5. Disk Labeling: Finally, the disk is labeled with a unique identifier, allowing the operating system to recognize and differentiate it from other disks.
It's important to note that formatting a disk does not physically erase the data stored on it. Instead, it marks the disk space as available for reuse. To completely remove sensitive data from a disk, additional steps like data overwriting or disk wiping are necessary.