IBM 5000 Performing a Low-Level Disk Format, When To Use the Format Disk Program, Disk Media

Using the SCSISelect Utility Program

Performing a Low-Level Disk Format

You can perform a low-level format on hard disk FormatdrivesDiskusing the feature of the SCSISelect Utility program.

Depending on the hard disk capacity, the low-level format program could two hours.

When To Use the Format Disk Program

Use the Format Disk program:

Ÿ	When	you	are	installing software that requires a low-level format
Ÿ	When	you	get	recurring messages	from the diagnostic tests directing
	the	Low-Level		Format program on the	hard disk

Ÿ As a last resort before replacing a failing hard disk drive.

Note: For information about backing up all of your files, see your oper documentation.

Starting the Low-Level Format

Attention: The low-level format erasesall data and programs.

1.If the hard disk drive is working, make a backup copy of all the programs on the hard disk drive.

2. SelectFormat	Disk	;	then,	follow the instructions on the screen.
Note: Hard	disk		drives	normally contain	more	tracks	than	their	stated
to allow for defective tracks. A message appears								on the scree
defect		limit is		reached. If	this	happens,	have	the	system s

3.To install an operating system after the hard disk drive is format ServerGuide information in the “ServerGuide and Netfinity Manager Information” section Serverof thisLibrarythat comes with your server.

Verifying the	Disk		Media
SelectVerify	Disk	Media	to	scan the selected hard disk				drive	for	media
such as bad tracks. All				recoverable	defects	will	be	remapped.
The Verify		Disk	Media	program takes	about 15	to	20	minutes	to	complete

38 Netfinity 5000 Server Hardware Information and Procedures