Format HDD or no?

[cloudff7]

I have two used 2.5" 1TB HDDs and two new 2.5" 500GB HDDs inside a USB 3.0 case. I intend to delete 250GB and replace them with new, updated files. Do you recommend re-formatting them in a new format that prevents data loss and corruption and is highly compatible with Windows, or is this unnecessary and causes wear and tear on the drive? They are currently in exFAT and NTFS.

[Needfuldoer]

2 hours ago, cloudff7 said:

Do you recommend re-formatting them in a new format that prevents data loss and corruption and is highly compatible with Windows

You're describing NTFS.

 

Make some backups to external media and stop worrying.

[whispous]

1 hour ago, cloudff7 said:

re-formatting them in a new format that prevents data loss and corruption

There's no such thing. Make backups.

[cloudff7]

NTFS or exFAT any difference? or other format superior

[Eigenvektor]

43 minutes ago, cloudff7 said:

NTFS or exFAT any difference? or other format superior

For Windows you want NTFS

 

ExFAT if you also need the drive to be compatible with (many) other operating systems. FAT32 if you need compatibility above anything and don't store files >4 GB

 

On Linux you have other formats like btrfs that offer some additional resilience, but Windows does not support them

 

Regardless, no partition type 100% protects you against data loss or corruption. You always want backups for that

[cloudff7]

for any protection files ntfs and exfat are similar?

 

its necessary full format or quick format?

[Eigenvektor]

10 minutes ago, cloudff7 said:

for any protection files ntfs and exfat are similar?

NTFS has more features for resilience and security

 

But no partition type alone cannot protect you against data loss

[Needfuldoer]

12 minutes ago, cloudff7 said:

for any protection files ntfs and exfat are similar?

 

its necessary full format or quick format?

You're overthinking again. Just format the drive as NTFS and start making backups.

[cloudff7]

NTFS works ok with enclosure case USB3.0?

 

its necessary full format or quick format?

 

Does formatting pose any risk of generating bad blocks or overheating during operation?