Chapter 3

Formatting a Diskette

This chapter briefly describes how, you format a diskette. Normally, you format a diskette using the MS-DOS FORMAT command. However, if you are running diagnostics and decide to test your floppy drives (which requires a formatted diskette), you can select option 3, Format diskette, from the OPERATION MENU. This option is included with the diagnostics for convenience only; it lets you format a double-density diskette without exiting diagnostics.

Note: This program always formats diskettes in 360KB format, regardless of the type of drive. If you plan to test a 1.2MB drive, use the MS-DOS FORMAT command to format a high-density diskette. Also, to test a 360KB drive, always use a double-density diskette that you formatted in a 360KB drive.

The Format diskette program destroys any data on the diskette. When formatting your diskettes, the program also initializes the directory and file allocation tables.

When you select option 3 from the OPERATION MENU, you see this message and prompt:

Format Diskette

Insert diskette for drive A: and strike ENTER when ready

Remove your diagnostics diskette, then insert the diskette you want to format into drive A and press Enter. You see this message:

Head: x Cylinder: xx

You see the number of each cylinder as the program formats the diskette.

When the format is complete, you see these messages:

Format complete

362496 bytes total disk space

362496 bytes available on disk Format another (Y/N) ?

You can format another diskette or return to the OPERATION MENU.

Diagnostics

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