Teac MX-2424 Tutorial - Manual (Page 47)

- 47 -
Low Level Formating
A low level format erases a disk sector by sector and maps out any physically bad
sectors in the drive’s FAT (File Allocation Table). This is different than initializing a disk
which simply erases the disk's master directory files. Low level formatting always takes
longer than initializing a disk—about 20 minutes for a 9 GB drive. Low level formatting
is essential to optimizing a drive's performance and should be performed whenever you
have the opportunity. For example, whenever you anticipate having an empty drive, and
no need to use that drive immediately. And of course, a low level format will erase
everything on the drive, so make sure you have the drive's contents properly backed
up.
• HOT TIP! — After low level formatting a disk, you must also initialize the disk before it
can be used (to learn how to initialize a disk, read on).
Performing a Low Level Format
A drive must be unmounted to perform a low level format.
1) Press [SETUP], press [7] on the numeric keypad, and then use the [Up Arrow] to
scroll to system page #711. It should look similar to this,
711 Disk Low Format
* LowFormat Disk 0
2) Press [TRIM] and select the SCSI device you want to Low Level Format. The stock
internal hard drive is SCSI ID 0.
3) Once you have selected the SCSI device, press [STORE/YES]. You are prompted,
"Are you sure (y/n)?" Press [STORE/YES] if you are sure.
4) The LCD will read "LowFormat in Progress." Remember, this will take a while (about
20 minutes per 9 GB).
5) When the Low Level Format is complete, the LCD will display the following,
720 Disk Cleanup
LowFormat complete
• HOT TIP! — A Low Level Format can only be interrupted by turning off the power—
don't do it! Never interrupt a Low Level Format or the drive will be unusable until a Low
Level Format is completed.