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Chapter 2
Formatting a Hard Disk
This chapter describes how you use diagnostics to check or format a
hard disk drive after installation. You can also use the MS-DOS command
HDFMTALL. Formatting a hard disk destroys all data on the hard disk, in
all partitions, so use this program with extreme care.
When you install a hard disk drive, run the Setup program to identify
the hard disk. Then, select the Format hard disk program, option 2 on the
OPERATION MENU. This program offers several formatting options. In
most cases, you would use option 1, Conditional format (Normal).
After formatting, you need to partition and format the hard disk for
your operating system(s). You can divide your hard disk into as many as four
partitions. If you are using only MS-DOS, you need only one partition.
Refer to your MS-DOS manual for details on using FDISK to create a parti-
tion and using SELECT to format it for this operating system.
You may need to reformat a hard disk if you have a serious problem with
the drive. However, before completely reformatting the disk, use the Non-
destructive surface analysis test to decide if formatting is necessary. If errors
occur during this test, backup your disk, and run the Conditional format
option followed by Destructive surface analysis. These tests are described in
this chapter.
Formatting and Checking Options
When you select option 2, Format hard disk, from the OPERATION
MENU, you see a menu of formatting and checking options:
HARD DISK FORMAT MENU
1-
Conditional format (Normal)
;
- Unconditional format
-
Destructive surface analysis
4 - Non-destructive surface analysis
0 - Exit
Enter selection number:
Diagnostics
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