IBM 865951Y Hardware Maintenance Manual - Page 62

Performing a low-level disk format: You can perform a low-level format on hard disk drives using the Format Disk feature of the SCSISelect Utility program. Depending on the hard disk capacity, the low-level format program could take up to two hours. When to use the format disk program: Use the Format Disk program: When you are installing software that requires a low-level format When you get recurring messages from the diagnostic tests directing you to run the Low-Level Format program on the hard disk As a last resort before replacing a failing hard disk drive. Note For information about backing up all of the files, see the operating-system documentation. Starting the low-level format Attention The low-level format erases all data and programs. 1. If the hard disk drive is working, make a backup copy of all the files and programs on the hard disk drive. 2. Select Format Disk; then, follow the instructions on the screen. Note Hard disk drives normally contain more tracks than their stated capacity, to allow for defective tracks. A message appears on the screen if the defect limit is reached. If this happens, replace the drive. 3. To install an operating system after the hard disk drive is formatted, refer to the ServerGuide information in the "ServerGuide and Netfinity Manager Information" section of this Server Library that comes with the server. Verifying the disk media: Select Verify Disk Media to scan the selected hard disk drive for media defects, such as bad tracks. All recoverable defects will be remapped. The Verify Disk Media program takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. 54 Netfinity Server HMM