Initio I/O HIGHWAY manual Hard Disk Drive Preparation, Low-level Format

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Hardware Installation

9System startup

The newly installed SCSI bus is now ready to power up. Switch on peripheral and host computer system power. The system monitor should display the following information, but may vary, based on the system BIOS manufacturer.

•The normal Power-On Self Test and memory test procedure.

•The host adapter sign on message including a list of attached SCSI devices.

The list should match the peripheral devices attached to the bus. In most cases the host computer system is now configured and ready for use.

Some situations will require that a low-level format be performed using the host adapter SmartSCSI Setup Utility to initialize a SCSI disk drive and lay the foundation for a bootable SCSI drive.

10 SmartSCSI Setup Utility

The SmartSCSI Setup Utility simplifies the SCSI installation process by eliminating the need for opening the system to change system jumpers and switch settings. All necessary host adapter functions are accessible through the utility, simplifying customization for your system needs. Initio’s SmartSCSI Setup Utility is divided into five segments identified by: Scan Bus; Device Setup; Adapter Setup; BIOS Setup; and Disk Utility. These program functions are accessible by typing <CTRL><I> at the boot- up prompt.

Hard Disk Drive Preparation

A new SCSI disk drive is normally low-level formatted at the factory to simplify installa- tion. The drive can be used as it comes from the factory once it is partitioned for system operation.

Low-level Format

A low-level format will erase any data that is stored on the target disk. Before attempting to perform a low-level format be sure the data on the target disk has been backed up. A low-level format can be achieved via the SmartSCSI Setup Utility for I/OHIGHWAY.

The low level format sets the media to a state which is easily recognized by the host adapter on the SCSI bus. Once this format is completed, you will need to partition the drive. Refer to your operating system documentation for further information on parti- tioning drives.

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