When you type A (for Abort), or F (for failure) the computer will automatically cancel the attempt and will return you to the C > prompt.

Remove the unformatted disk from the drive.

The FORMAT Command

MS-DOS provides an external command program called FORMAT.COM, that will format your blank diskettes. When running this program, there are options available that allow you to format several different types of diskette.

The following routines will show you how to use the FORMAT command. These procedures assume that you are formatting double-sided, highdensity, 1.2M-byte diskettes (AT-compatible). Information on formatting 18OK-byte and 360K-byte diskette will be discussed under the /1 and /4 switch options below.

First, if you have a hard disk installed MS-DOS on your system, then enter:

C > FORMAT A:

The computer will load the FORMAT command file into system memory, then will respond:

Insert new diskette for drive A: and press ENTER when ready

Insert the new diskette to be formatted and press the ENTER key.

5-4 Using Floppy Disks