IBM SC32-P020-00 manual IBM xSeries 255 Type 8685 User’s Guide

If this choice appears on the SCSISelect menu, select this choice to perform a low-level format on a hard disk drive. Depending on the hard disk drive capacity, the Low-Level Format program could take up to 2 hours.

Use the Low-Level Format program:

–When you are installing software that requires a low-level format

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

–As a last resort before replacing a failing hard disk drive

Note: If your server has a PCI RAID adapter installed, see the RAID adapter documentation for instructions for performing low-level formats on hard disk drives attached to the adapter.

To start the Low-Level Format program:

1.If the hard disk drive is working, make a backup copy of all the files and programs on the hard disk. (See your operating-system information for instructions.)

2.Select Format Disk; then, follow the instructions on the screen.

Note: A hard disk typically contains more tracks than its stated capacity (to allow for defective tracks). A message appears on the screen if the defect limit is reached. If this happens, replace the hard disk drive.

22IBM xSeries 255 Type 8685: User’s Guide