Chapter 2

Formatting a Hard Disk

This chapter describes how you use diagnostics to check or format a hard disk drive after installation. You can also use the MS-DOS command HDFMTALL. Formatting a hard disk destroys all data on the hard disk, in all partitions, so use this program with extreme care.

When you install a hard disk drive, run the Setup program to identify the hard disk. Then, select the Format hard disk program, option 2 on the OPERATION MENU. This program offers several formatting options. In most cases, you would use option 1, Conditional format (Normal).

After formatting, you need to partition and format the hard disk for your operating system(s). You can divide your hard disk into as many as four partitions. If you are using only MS-DOS, you need only one partition. Refer to your MS-DOS manual for details on using FDISK to create a partition and using SELECT to format it for this operating system.

You may need to reformat a hard disk if you have a serious problem with the drive. However, before completely reformatting the disk, use the Nondestructive surface analysis test to decide if formatting is necessary. If errors occur during this test, backup your disk, and run the Conditional format option followed by Destructive surface analysis. These tests are described in this chapter.

Formatting and Checking Options

When you select option 2, Format hard disk, from the OPERATION MENU, you see a menu of formatting and checking options:

HARD DISK FORMAT MENU

1 - Conditional format (Normal)

- Unconditional format

;- Destructive surface analysis

4 - Non-destructive surface analysis

0 - Exit

Enter selection number:

Diagnostics

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