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Software Installation
This section contains instructions for low level formatting the
Winchester drives. You can low level format the Winchester drive(s)
by one of two methods. Third party software available from Storage
Dimensions * , Ontrack * , or other companies can low level format the
drive(s). Consult your dealer for further information on these software
packages. An on-board BIOS ROM can also low level format the
drive(s). The DEBUG utility initiates the controller's format program.
To low level format the drive(s) with the BIOS ROM, proceed as
follows:
1. Turn on the power.
2. At the A>promt, load and run the DEBUG utility by typing
DEBUG followed by a RETURN. "CR" stands for carriage return or
ENTER.
A>DEBUG CR
3. At the debug prompt, initiate the controller format program by typing
the following command line:
-g=ccOO :5
CAUTION
Step 4 requires execution of low level format. The low level format
destroys all data on the drive. If the drive contains useful data,
backup the drive before executing the low level format program.
4. The controller format program displays a menu. Follow the menu
selections one through six. The change current drive parameters
selection allows you to either choose preprogrammed drive parameters
or enter the parameters from the keyboard. Low level formatting the
drive sets up track, sector, and error correction information and
initializes the data fields. The surface analysis performs a thorough
scan of the drive's media. Running the surface analysis may take
several hours. The verify drive option is a shorter version of the surface
analysis test. Both the surface analysis and verify drive tests report any
defects found and prompts the user to map out these defects. The enter
defect list option allows the user to enter defects provided by the drive
manufacturer. The select next drive allows you to change drives.
5. Load and execute the FDISK and FORMAT utilities.
* Storage Dimensions is a trademark of Storage Dimensions. Ontrack is
a trademark of Ontrack Computer Systems.
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