Format Procedure For Hard Disk Drives - Adaptec ACB-232XD User Manual

ACB-232XD User's Manual
3.2 Adaptec ACB-232XD Primary-Format Procedure for Hard Disk Drives
Step 1: Setting up the PC AT configuration RAM
After you have completed the hardware installation of your ACB-232XD and hard disk
drive, turn the system power switch on. Boot from the PC AT diagnostics diskette or any
diskette that contains software for configuring the PC AT SETUP parameters (CMOS
RAM).
Note: When booting the PC AT with an UNFORMATTED hard disk installed, the system
may report a "1790" disk failure. Ignore the message, press F1 to continue.
Invoke the SETUP RAM configuration software (i.e., option four in the IBM PC AT
diagnostics program). Then follow the SETUP program's menu to set up your system for
one or two hard disks. Be sure to choose drive types that are a subset of the actual disk
parameters. The number of cylinders indicated by the drive type specified must be less
than the actual number of cylinders on your drive. For example, with the IBM PC AT, use
drive type 1 (smallest available drive type) regardless of the actual drive configuration.
This is necessary for proper operation of the PC AT power-on diagnostics.
After the PC AT internal configuration has been set up, reboot the system with DOS
Version 3.0 or higher.
Step 2: Use DEBUG to enter the Adaptec Disk Preparation Program.
Put a disk with a copy of DOS' DEBUG program into the floppy drive and invoke the
program by typing DEBUG at the DOS prompt, then press return. At the debug prompt,
type G=C800:5 and press return. This will invoke Adaptec's Disk Preparation Program.
Step 3: Read the ESDI Drive Parameters.
Select Option 1 to primary-format the drive 1. If the drive has been previously formatted
with an ACB-232XD controller, the saved cylinder and head count will be displayed. With
an unformatted drive, the number of cylinders, heads and sectors are read from the ESDI
drive. If the values are not correct, type N, exit the program and check your ESDI drive
jumper settings.
An example of what you will see on the screen for a brand new drive is shown below.
Note: One cylinder on the drive is reserved for use by the controller. The controller
automatically subtracts this cylinder from the total number of available cylinders on the
drive.
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