SSD Format Mistake

[kajira]

I recently purchased mostly new components for my PC. One of which was the SanDisk Extreme II 240 SSD. I had issues having windows on two drives (the new SSD and my old HDD) and finally threw in the towel and said "forget, I'm re-formatting". So, I did a full format on my 1TB HDD and then went to reinstall Windows 7 on the SSD and when prompted to reformat I unchecked the box for "Quick Format" and did a full format on the SSD as well. Obviously, I noticed that it was no longer operating as expected and I started doing more reading about it. Long story short, I should've just gone with the "Quick Format" and now I need to figure out how to regain my performance. (for what it's worth, initially it scored 7.9 on the windows experience, now it scores 5.9) I'd really appreciate any help/suggestions.

 

[Dereck47]

Yes, you should NEVER Full format a SSD. Unless you're having problems with your HDD, you also don't need to Full format; a Quick format is all you need.

You need to Secure Erase your SSD. A Secure Erase restores any SSD to a blank, fresh-out-of-the-box condition.
Backup any needed data and SE your SSD.

Also, you said you were prompted to format your drive during install? That's weird, Windows automatically formats a drive during installation. There's a button labeled "Format" that you can click if you want to manually format the drive, but if you don't press it and click "Next", then Windows will continue with the installation process and format the drive for you.

 

[kajira]

Yes, you should NEVER Full format a SSD. Unless you're having problems with your HDD, you also don't need to Full format; a Quick format is all you need.

You need to Secure Erase your SSD. A Secure Erase restores any SSD to a blank, fresh-out-of-the-box condition.
Backup any needed data and SE your SSD.

Also, you said you were prompted to format your drive during install? That's weird, Windows automatically formats a drive during installation. There's a button labeled "Format" that you can click if you want to manually format the drive, but if you don't press it and click "Next", then Windows will continue with the installation process and format the drive for you.

I know now that using the full format option was a bad idea, hence why I am posting for advice now. However, at the time it did not occur to me that an SSD should be handled differently.

I am obviously quite new to using SSD, but I am not new at all to PC's, building them or installing Windows. When installing Windows there are two options, the standard "out of the box" install, or the "custom" option which includes a checkbox next to "quick format" that is marked by default. Uncheck that box and you get a full format. This can bevery useful with normal HDD's and has been what I've used for quite some time on the rare occasions I felt a format/fresh install was warranted.

Some history: I've been using this "custom" install options for going on 20yrs now or so. It harkens back to the old days when a Windows install included a LOT of unnecessary software like AOL, Prodigy, game demos, trial software, etc. If you used a "custom install" you could choose to not have most of that stuff installed. However, this also allowed you to choose custom install folders for the items you did want. This was also the best way to connect to dial-up ISP's when setting up a manual connection. I have been in the habit for so long of doing thing curtom and choosing options, etc it has just been habit. Which was why it never occured to me, until after the fact, that the SSD should be treated any differently.

Anyway, now that I've strayed from the actual topicat hand, any advice for ensuring my SSD performs optimally and that there will not be any permanent damage (outside of potentially shortening the lifespan of the drive) for the time being? I've learned a lot now and it's a mistake that will not be repeated, but presently my only concern is ensuring optimal performance after the damage has been done.

Thank you!!

 

[Dereck47]

You didn't do any permanent damage to your SSD. Just SE it and you will be good-to-go.
As far as shortening the lifespan of the drive, instead of lasting 15 years, it will last 14 years, 364 days, 12 hours.