NAME

fdformat − format diskettes for use with OS/MP

SYNOPSIS

fdformat [ −eflv ] [ device ]

DESCRIPTION

fdformat is a utility for formatting floppy diskettes.  All new blank diskettes must be formatted before they can be used.  fdformat formats and verifies each track on the diskette, and terminates if it finds any bad sectors.  All existing data on the diskette, if any, is destroyed by formatting. 

By default, fdformat formats a high density diskette with a capacity of 1.44 megabytes.  Use the −L or −l option to format low density diskettes (720K capacity).  Note: it is not possible to put a low density format onto a high density floppy diskette.  High density diskettes can be recognized by the high density detect hole in the lower right corner of the diskette, opposite the write protect hole in the lower left corner. 

fdformat writes an OS label on the diskette in logical block 0 after it has been formatted.  The label is required if you intend to put a UNIX file system on the floppy diskette. 

OPTIONS

−e Eject the diskette when done. 

−f Force.  Do not ask for confirmation before starting format. 

−l Format a low density (720K) diskette. 

−v Verify the floppy diskette after formatting. 

FILES

/dev/rfd0c

BUGS

Currently bad sector mapping is not supported on floppy diskettes.  Therefore, a diskette is unusable if fdformat finds an error (bad sector). 

Solbourne Computer, Inc.  —  27 Dec 1990