Chapter 5

Formatting a Hard Disk

This chapter 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. (All IDE drives come formatted.)

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

Caution

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. If you are unsure whether formatting is necessary, contact your Epson Servicer or call the Epson Connection (800-922-8911) for assistance.

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

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