Epson 386SX Physically Formatting a Hard Disk, Appendix D

Appendix D

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 Equity 386SX came with a hard disk, that disk has d already been physically formatted. You need only follow the

-instructions in the MS-DOS Installation Guide to prepare your hard disk for use.

You may need to physically format a hard disk, however, if either of the following is true:

Ci Your hard disk is producing numerous read/write errors or you are having other serious problems with the disk. Sometimes, after a hard disk has been used for a long time, the disk’s data becomes fragmented, causing the disk to frequently produce errors. You may need to reformat the disk in this case.

Cl You have installed a hard disk in your computer that has never received the low-level format.

Physically formatting a hard disk erases any data it contains. If you have any data on the disk or you are unsure if formatting is necessary, contact your Epson dealer for assistance.

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