Epson 486SX - Manual (Page 143)

Physically Formatting a Hard Disk
Appendix A
This appendix describes how to physically format a hard disk.
Sometimes called a low-level format, this procedure should not
be confused with the logical format performed by the operating
system, such as the MS-DOS FORMAT command. Physically
formatting a hard disk is a separate step that is usually done at
the factory by the disk manufacturer.
If your computer came with a factory-installed hard disk, or if
you have installed an optional Epson IDE hard disk, it has
already been physically formatted. You need only follow the
instructions in your operating system manual to prepare your
hard disk for use.
If you have installed a hard disk that came with its own format
utility, use that program to physically format the disk.
You may need to use the procedure in this chapter to physically
format a hard disk if you have installed a non-Epson hard disk
in your computer that has never received the low-level format
and did not come with its own format utility.
Caution
If you are unsure whether formatting is necessary, contact
your Epson dealer for assistance.
Physically formatting a hard disk erases any data it contains. If
you are formatting a hard disk you have been using, be sure to
back up all its data to diskettes before you format it. See your
operating system manual for instructions on backing up data.
Physically Formatting a Hard Disk A - l