IBM 6C4 Flash SK-NET Fddi Firmware, Format Media, Hardfile Attached to Scsi Adapter non-RAID

Flash SK-NET FDDI Firmware

This task allows the Flash firmware on the SysKonnect SK-NET FDDI adapter to be updated.

Format Media

This task allows the selection of diskettes, hardfiles, or optical media to be formatted. Each selection is described below.

Hardfile Attached to SCSI Adapter (non-RAID)

vHardfile Format

Writes all of the disk. The pattern written on the disk is device-dependent; for example some drives may write all 0s, while some may write the hexadecimal number 5F. No bad block reassignment occurs

vHardfile Format and Certify

Performs the same function as Hardfile Format. After the format is completed, Certify is run. Certify then reassigns all bad blocks encountered.

vHardfile Erase Disk

This option can be used to overwrite (remove) all data currently stored in user-accessible blocks of the disk. The Erase Disk option writes one or more patterns to the disk. An additional option allows data in a selectable block to be read and displayed on the system console.

To use the Erase Disk option, specify the number (0-3) of patterns to be written. The patterns are written serially; that is, the first pattern is written to all blocks. Then the next pattern is written to all blocks, overlaying the previous pattern. A random pattern is written by selecting the Write Random Pattern? option.

Note: The Erase Disk service aid has not been certified as meeting the Department of Defense or any other organization's security guidelines.

To overwrite the data on the drive, use the following steps:

1.Select Erase Disk.

2.Do a format without certify.

3.Select Erase Disk to run it a second time.

For a newly installed drive, you can ensure that all blocks on the drive are overwritten with your pattern if you use the following procedure:

1.Format the drive.

2.Check the defect MAP by running the Erase Disk selection.

Note: If you use the Format and Certify option, there may be some blocks that are placed into the grown defect MAP.

3.If there are bad blocks in the defect MAP, record the information presented and ensure that this information is kept with the drive. This data is used later when the drive is to be overwritten.

4.Use the drive as you would normally.

130pSeries 630 Model 6C4 and Model 6E4 User's Guide