Frequently asked questions

I am not sure I have an Advanced Format drive. What should I do?

Even if you are not sure you have an Advanced Format drive, you can still follow the procedures described in this white paper. Changing your installation methods to accommodate Advanced Format-compatibility does not negatively impact a drive with 512-byte sectors. Indeed, you are strongly recommended to make these changes as soon as possible.

I’m an IT professional. How can I ensure an image I create will be supported on Advanced Format drives?

It depends on your environment and the deployment tool you are using.

If you are using WinPE 1.6 or later, then DiskPart creates 1 MB-aligned partitions by default.

If using different third-party disk cloning, then you should work with the deployment tool vendor.

Special steps must be taken with MDT and SCCM to prevent misaligned partitions. See Creating a 1 MB-aligned partition for more information.

My operating system is Advanced Format-aware; however, I do not have an Advanced Format drive. Do I need to do anything?

No changes are required to run an operating system that is Advanced Format-aware on a drive with 512-byte sectors.

What happens if I do not align my partitions?

Your Advanced Format drive will work; however, applications may fail because of the unexpected slow-down.

What impact does the Advanced Format drive have on Linux users?

Use Linux kernel 2.6.33 and above; do not create MS-DOS-compatible partitions.

The Red Flag Linux (kernel version 2.6.31 and above) shipped by HP is Advanced Format-aware.

For information on partition alignment for SUSE Linux, refer to http://www.novell.com/support/viewContent.do?externalId=7007193&sliceId=1.

What happens if I am running an older operating system with conventional drives or a mixture of conventional and Advanced Format drives?

You can safely set up partition alignment in a mixed environment if you are running – or plan to run – Windows XP or a newer operating system. Creating aligned partitions on non-Advanced Format drives is also safe.

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