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Formatting diskettes, Making backup copies – Epson EQUITY 3865X/20 PLUS User Manual

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Formatting Diskettes

Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it

using the FORMAT command. Formatting prepares the diskette
so that MS-DOS can write data on it. You need to do this only

once, before you use the diskette for the first time.

You can also reformat previously used diskettes to store new

data. This process erases all the data on the diskette, so be sure

you do not want to save any of the files on a diskette before you
format it. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions

on using the FORMAT command.

Making Backup Copies

It is important to make copies of all your data and system

diskettes. Make backup (or working) copies of all diskettes that

contain programs, such as your MS-DOS diskettes and the

original Reference diskette that came with your computer. Then

use only the copies. Store the original diskettes in a safe place

away from your working diskettes. Also, copy your data diskettes
regularly, whenever you revise them (to keep them up-to-date)

and store them away from your originals.

If you have a hard disk, you’ll probably use it to store the

programs and data files you use regularly. Keep backup copies of

all your files on diskettes.

You can copy your data in several ways:

You can use the COPY or XCOPY command to copy

individual files or groups of files.

You can use the DISKCOPY command to make an exact

duplicate of a diskette.

Using Your Computer

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