You can reformat previously used diskettes. This process erases all data on the diskette, so be sure you do not want to save any of the data on a used diskette before you format it.

If you plan to use a new diskette to make a backup copy of another diskette, you do not need to use the FORMAT command to format it first. The DISKCOPY command automatically formats a blank diskette if it has never been formatted. (See “Using the DISKCOPY Command,” later in this chapter.)

Also see your MS-DOS Reference Manual for information about the optional switches you can use with the FORMAT command to format various diskette types in different types of drives.

Note

You can also format diskettes using the MS-DOS Shell or the Epson MENU program. These programs are easy to use because they let you select options from menus instead of using commands, See your MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide and “Using the Epson MENU Program,” later in this chapter.

Using the FORMAT Command

1.If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Startup diskette into drive A, and log onto drive A.

If you have a hard disk, type C : and press Enter to log onto drive C.

2.At the MS-DOS prompt, type FORMAT A: and press

Enter. You see this prompt:

Insert new diskette for drive A:

and press ENTER when ready...

4-28 Using MS-DOS with Your Equity 386SX