Example exer4b

Formatting disks

When you by a new disk it may not be ready for use. Disks are prepared so they can be used by different kinds of computers. The operating systems on computers vary, so the disk can only be used for the type of machine it has been formatted for.

Preparing a disk for use in your computer is called formatting the disk; you are preparing it to receive information.

To format a disk using DOS:

Switch on the machine, wait for the DOS prompt.

Type format a: (Ensure that you have typed format a:) and press Enter. You will be prompted to insert a new disk in Drive a: then press Enter when ready.

You may then be asked if you want to label the disk. This does not refer to the paper label on the outside of the disk but to an electronic label, which will be shown on screen when you look at the contents of the disk. If you do not require a label simply press Enter.

You will then be asked if you want to format another disk. Respond by typing either Y or N. When you have finished formatting all your disks answer N and you will be returned to the c:> prompt.

To format a disk in Windows

Insert your floppy disk into its drive.

Double click the MyComputer icon and then double click the icon for the Floppy Drive.

Click on the File menu and choose format.

Your disks are now ready for use on your machine. You can re-format a disk at any time but any information on it will be erased. TAKE CARE NEVER TO FORMAT THE C: DRIVE BY MISTAKE AS ALL PROGRAMS ON YOUR COMPUTER SUCH AS MS WORD WILL BE LOST.

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