Epson EISA Desktop Formatting a Hard Disk

Appendix B

Formatting a Hard Disk

This appendix describes how to low-level (or physically) format a hard disk. This procedure should not be confused with the logical format performed by your operating system. 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 installed an optional Epson IDE hard disk, it has already been physically formatted. You need only follow the instructions in your operating system manual to prepare your hard disk for use.

If you 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 you 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.

Caution

If you are unsure whether formatting is necessary, contact your Epson dealer for assistance.

Physically formatting a hard disk erases any data it contains. Be sure to back up any data on your hard disk before you format it.

In addition to destroying all the data on the hard disk, formatting removes any partitions and logical formatting defined on the disk by your operating system. After you physically format a new or used hard disk, you need to logically format the disk again using your operating system.

Formatting a Hard Disk B - l