SCSISelect Utility Program

Using the Low-Level Format Program

If your server did not come with a RAID adapter preinstalled, you can format your hard disks using the Low-Level Format feature of the SCSISelect Utility program.

Depending on the hard disk capacity, the Low-Level Format program could take up to two hours.

Note: If your server came with a RAID adapter preinstalled, refer to the RAID adapter documentation for instructions to format your hard disk drives.

When To Use the Low-Level Format Program

Use the Low-Level Format program:

ŸWhen you are installing software that requires a low-level format

ŸWhen you get recurring messages from the diagnostic tests directing you to run the Low-Level Format program on the hard disk

ŸAs a last resort before replacing a failing hard disk drive

Note: For information about backing up all of your files, see your operating-system documentation.

Starting the Low-Level Format Program

20 Attention: The low-level format programs provided with your server erase all data from your hard disk drive. Before you run a low-level format program, be sure to back up your data.

Note: Refer to the RAID adapter documentation for instructions for performing a low-level format on a hard disk drive attached to the PCI RAID adapter.

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

2.Select SCSI Disk Utilities.

3.Select the disk drive that you want to format; then, press Enter.

66PC Server 704 User's Handbook

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IBM 704 manual Using the Low-Level Format Program, When To Use the Low-Level Format Program, Select Scsi Disk Utilities