Goldenpi wrote:
> The second most through format I know. The most through is the low-level
> bios format, but only old bios will do that.
>
Depending on the drive manufacturer, they may have available low-level
formatting software. I beleive Quantum Has such a thing.
If the drive is scsi the HBA may have that function built in or a separate
piece of software provided by the manufacturer.
Or, some diagnostic applications, such as Microscope 2000, has the capability.
Personnally I would not rely on a motherboards bios to do a low-level format.
Though on older drives I am sure it would work just fine.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kelly, Christopher" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2000 3:35 PM
> Subject: RE: [newbie] Ultimate Formatting
>
> > That would be great, John.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: John Rye [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> > Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2000 9:38 AM
> > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > Subject: Re: [newbie] Ultimate Formatting
> >
> >
> > Rod Baxter wrote:
> > >
> > > Easy.
> > >
> > > Boot from a dos boot disk and use dos fdisk. Delete all partitions and
> > > reboot from the floppy. Then type fdisk /mbr which will rewrite a
> > standard
> > > master boot record.
> > > But, (as allways!!) if you cannot delete an extended partition because
> it
> > > says 'cannot delete while logical drives exist' and when you go and look
> > > there are no logical drives you need to cheat a bit.
> > >
> > > Go into the bios and change the disk drive settings. If its running LBA,
> > > change it to normal. Reboot and you will find the logical drives will
> have
> > > dissapeared. Delete everything, then reboot and put it back to LBA mode.
> > > Then go through the loop again, and finish with the fdisk /mbr command.
> > >
> > > If its a small disk and you are not running LBA, then just change the
> > drive
> > > type to something else.
> > >
> > > Rod
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "Kelly, Christopher" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > > To: "'Newbie'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > > Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2000 9:23 PM
> > > Subject: [newbie] Ultimate Formatting
> > >
> > > > Anybody know how to completely wipe a HD clean?? I am having major
> > > problems
> > > > and need to start over. I need to blow away partitions and all. Make
> it
> > > just like new.
> >
> > There is a rather smart wee utility called ZeroDisk out there somewhere
> > which rewrites every sector. I have used that to do Security Wipes.
> >
> > I may have a copy here somewhere - whant to check thru the floppy box?
> >
> > Cheers
> > --
> > ICQ# 89345394 Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > "The number of UNIX installations has grown to 10, with more expected"
> > (The UNIX Programmer's Manual, 2nd Edition, June 1972.)
> >
> >
