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Chapter 5
Formatting a Hard Disk
This chapter describes how to low-level (or physically) format
a hard disk. This procedure should not be confused with the
logical format performed by your operating system. The
physical formatting of 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 installed an optional Epson IDE hard disk, it has already
been physically formatted. (All IDE drives come formatted.)
You may need to use the procedure in this chapter to physically
format a hard disk if you 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. If you installed a
hard disk that came with its own format utility, use that
program to physically format the disk.
Caution
Physically formatting a hard disk erases any data it contains.
Be sure to back up any data on your hard disk before you
format it. If you are unsure whether formatting is necessary,
contact your Epson Servicer or call the Epson Connection
(800-922-8911) for assistance.
In addition to destroying all the data on the hard disk,
formatting removes any partitions and logical formatting
defined on the disk by your operating system. After you
physically format a new or used hard disk, you need to
logically format the disk again using your operating system.
Formatting a Hard Disk 5-1