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ST9100A and ST9100AG Installation Guide, Rev. A

some drive diagnostic programs may fail, typically resulting in time-out errors. Consult your system documentation or call your system dealer or manufacturer for information on configuring your system to receive 4 bytes of ECC.

Formatting and partitioning the drive

Caution. Reformatting or repartitioning a drive that contains data may result in a partial or complete loss of that data. Make sure all data has been safely backed up before repartitioning or reformatting a drive. Seagate Technology assumes no liability for lost data.

Low-level formatting

Seagate AT Interface drives are low-level formatted at the factory and do not require additional low-level formatting prior to use.

Partitioning

A single disc drive can be subdivided into partitions that behave as separate drives (labeled C, D, E, etc.). Versions of DOS prior to Version 4.0 are not able to access more than 32 Mbytes of disc space as a single drive. Therefore, drives having a capacity of over 32 Mbytes must be divided into several smaller partitions for use with these older versions of DOS. Seagate does not recommend using the ST9100A or ST9100AG with a DOS version prior to Version 3.3.

To partition a drive, you must first boot the system using a floppy disk that contains system files. Partition the drive using the DOS FDISK utility program (described in your DOS manual). If you are partitioning a drive that will be used to boot the system, make sure that the primary DOS partition is marked active.

High-level formatting

Once the drive is partitioned, use the DOS FORMAT command (or equivalent utility program) to high-level format each of the

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Seagate ST9100AG manual Formatting and partitioning the drive, Low-level formatting
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ST9100AG, ST9100A specifications

The Seagate ST9100A and ST9100AG are notable hard drives that belong to the Seagate Barracuda family, which has been recognized for its performance and reliability in the storage market. These drives are designed to meet the demands of both desktop and mobile applications, making them a versatile choice for users looking for dependable storage solutions.

One of the main features of the ST9100A and ST9100AG is their high storage capacity, offering up to 1 terabyte, which allows users to store a significant amount of data, whether it be photos, videos, or large software applications. This substantial capacity caters to both everyday users and professionals who require ample storage for intensive tasks.

The ST9100A and ST9100AG utilize advanced recording technologies that enhance performance and longevity. These include Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR) technology, which allows for higher data density, resulting in improved read and write speeds. This technology enables users to access their data quickly, reducing wait times when loading applications or transferring files.

Another key characteristic of these drives is their rotational speed of 7200 RPM (revolutions per minute). This speed is crucial as it significantly impacts the drive's overall performance. A higher RPM generally translates to quicker data access times, making the ST9100A and ST9100AG suitable for gaming, media editing, and other performance-intensive tasks.

The drives are also equipped with a sizable cache memory of 32 MB, which further increases data transfer efficiency. The cache acts as a temporary storage space for frequently accessed data, allowing for faster retrieval and smoother operation. This feature is particularly beneficial when handling large files or when multitasking between several applications.

In terms of reliability, Seagate's Barracuda drives are built to endure demanding environments. The ST9100A and ST9100AG come with features like SmartAlign, which ensures efficient use of disk space and improves overall drive performance, and Seagate's Seagate SeaTools software, for diagnosing potential issues and monitoring drive health.

The ST9100A and ST9100AG are structured to fit seamlessly in various systems due to their standard 3.5-inch form factor, making them compatible with most desktop cases. With their combination of high performance, significant storage, and reliability, these drives present a solid option for users seeking a balance between capacity and speed.
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