Appendix D

Physically Formatting a Hard Disk

This appendix describes how to physically format a hard disk. This operation, sometimes called low-level or hard formatting, should not be confused with the logical formatting process performed by the MS-DOS FORMAT command. The physical formatting of a hard disk is a separate step that is usually performed by the disk manufacturer. If your Equity 386 came equipped with a hard disk, that disk has already been physically formatted. The procedures described in Chapter 3 are all you need to do to prepare your hard disk for use.

You may need to follow the instructions in this appendix if you purchase an additional hard disk for your computer, and that additional disk has not already been physically formatted. You may also need to repeat the physical formatting process if you experience serious problems with a hard disk.

However, before reformatting a disk that appears to be damaged, use the Non-destructive surface analysis test to determine if formatting is necessary. If errors occur during this test, back up your disk. Then run the Conditional format option, followed by the Destructive surface analysis. These tests are described in this appendix.

The physical formatting process destroys all data on the disk. It also removes the partitioning information supplied by the MS-DOS FDISK command and the logical formatting information supplied by the MS-DOS FORMAT or SELECT command. Therefore, after physically reformatting a hard disk, you need to repeat the procedures described in Chapter 3 to prepare your hard disk for use.

Physically Formatting a Hard Disk D-l