A p p e n d i x B

Physically Formatting a Hard Disk

This appendix describes how to physically format a hard disk. Sometimes called a low-level format, this procedure should not be confused with the logical format performed by the MS-DOS FORMAT command. The physical formatting of a hard disk is a separate step that is usually done at the factory by the disk manufacturer.

If your computer came with a factory-installed hard disk, or if you have installed an optional Epson hard disk, it has already been physically formatted. You need only follow the instructions in the MS-DOS Installation Guide to prepare your hard disk for use.

If you have installed a hard disk that came with its own format utility, use that program to physically format the disk.

You may need to use the procedure in this chapter to physically format a hard disk if either of the following is true:

0Your hard disk is producing numerous read/write errors or you are having other serious problems with it. Sometimes, after a hard disk has been used for a long time, its data becomes fragmented, causing the disk to perform less efficiently or produce errors. You may want to reformat the disk in this case.

0You have installed a non-Epson hard disk in your computer that has never received the low-level format and did not come with its own format utility.

Physically formatting a hard disk erases any data it contains. If you are reformatting a hard disk you have been using, be sure to back up all the data on your hard disk to diskettes before you format it. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on backing up data.

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