AT&T 3B2 Maintenance Reference Manual page 341

Integral Disk Tools (idtools)
Format Hard Disk Error Messages
The hard disk format program has 16 error messages associated with it. Each is identified and
explained below. In the following error messages,
D
=
disk drive number,
C
=
cylinder
number,
H
=
head number,
S
=
sector number, and T
=
track number.
• Invalid disk number, D!
This error message appears when an unknown disk number is entered. Only 0
and 1 are supported.
• FORMHARD: invalid disk info
This signifies that a corrupted physical description file is read. Verify that the
physical description information is correct.
• FORMHARD: Could not format disk
This appears when the format program reaches the maximum retry limit and exits.
This error message usually indicates major problems. First, try executing some of
the more simple programs (for example, fixdisk or defect).
• FORMHARD: Could not respecify controller
This states that the driver and disk controller are not communicating. This is
usually a result of a bad system board or crossed disk drive cables.
• FORMHARD: Could not verify disk
This is printed when the verify program reaches the maximum retry limit and
exits.
• FORMHARD: unable to write format info
This appears when the driver cannot talk to the disk drive. There are no
acknowledgements from the disk drive. Check the disk drive cable connections.
• FORMHARD: Sanity pattern write failed
This states that the sanity track write failed. Try the fixdisk program to double
check the sanity track.
• FORMHARD: Sanity pattern readback failed
This states that the sanity track readback failed. Try the fixdisk program to
verify the sanity track.
• FORMHARD: Seek to cylinder C failed
This is printed when a seek fails. Verify that the physical description information
is correct. If this error reoccurs, replace the disk.
Using 382 Computer Maintenance Utilities C-17