Formatting Diskettes

Before you can store data on a new diskette, the diskette must be formatted. Formatting prepares the diskette so MS-DOS can write to it. You need to do this only once, before you use the diskette for the first time.

You can also reformat previously used diskettes. Reformatting, however, erases all data on that diskette. Always be sure that you do not want to save any of the data on a used diskette before you format it.

The formatting procedure you use depends on the configuration of your system:

Two diskette drives

One diskette drive (and one hard disk). Follow the instructions below for your system.

Formatting with two diskette drives

Follow this procedure to format a diskette in drive B. The drive can be either the internal drive on the left side of the computer or an external 5 t -inch diskette drive.

1.Insert your working copy of the MS-DOS system diskette in drive A (and press any key if necessary).

2.When you see the A> prompt, type:

FORMAT B:

and press Enter. You see this prompt:

Insert new diskette for drive B: and strike ENTER when ready

3.Insert the diskette you want to format into drive B, and press Enter to start formatting. MS-DOS displays the head and cylinder numbers as it formats each cylinder of the diskette.

4-6Using MS-DOS With the Equity LT