IBM 5000 User Manual

Page 48

Using the SCSISelect Utility Program

Performing a Low-Level Disk Format

You can perform a low-level format on hard disk drives using the

Format Disk

feature of the SCSISelect Utility program.

Depending on the hard disk capacity, the low-level format program could take up to
two hours.

When To Use the Format Disk Program

Use the Format Disk program:

When you are installing software that requires a low-level format

When you get recurring messages from the diagnostic tests directing you to run
the Low-Level Format program on the hard disk

As a last resort before replacing a failing hard disk drive.

Note: For information about backing up all of your files, see your operating-system

documentation.

Starting the Low-Level Format

Attention: The low-level format erases

all data and programs.

1. If the hard disk drive is working, make a backup copy of all the files and

programs on the hard disk drive.

2. Select Format Disk; then, follow the instructions on the screen.

Note: Hard disk drives normally contain more tracks than their stated capacity,

to allow for defective tracks. A message appears on the screen if the
defect limit is reached. If this happens, have the system serviced.

3. To install an operating system after the hard disk drive is formatted, refer to the

ServerGuide information in the “ServerGuide and Netfinity Manager
Information” section of this

Server Library that comes with your server.

Verifying the Disk Media

Select Verify Disk Media to scan the selected hard disk drive for media defects,
such as bad tracks. All recoverable defects will be remapped.

The Verify Disk Media program takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

Netfinity 5000 Server Hardware Information and Procedures