To prepare a diskette or hard disk volume for first time use, you must format it. Formatting removes any information previously stored on a storage medium (if any) and organizes the medium so that the operating system can use it.

This organization is called a file system. For hard disks volumes, there are several file systems available, so you have to tell the system what file system you would like to use when formatting.

Warning: Be sure to check the diskette or hard disk before you format it. Formatting destroys all data on the medium, if any is present.

To format a diskette or hard disk:

  1. If you are formatting a diskette, make sure that the diskette is in the diskette drive and that it is not write-protected.

  2. Open the &link_drivesfdr;.

  3. Select the drive object for the diskette or hard disk you want to format (for example, Drive A).

  4. From the drive's &popmenu;, select "Format disk".
A window will display where you can press the "Help" push button for additional information.

From a command prompt, you can use the FORMAT command.

For related information, select from the list below: