"simon chang" <simon.chang@canrem.uucp> (05/26/91)
also c.c to: L.Chung@ee.surrey.ac.uk LC>? Message-ID: <1991May22.172536.10283@EE.Surrey.Ac.UK> >? Subject: Low Level HD Formatting Software LC> Which hard disk formatting program can do a low level format on > IDE drives? > Which one will hand SCSI and ESDI drives ? Most IDEs were formatted by OEM from factory. You're better NOT to low level format a IDE drive since IDE has only logical appearance to your system i.e. the CMOS set up recongized by BIOS isn't the physical capacity+format of the hard hard. However some IDEs can be lower level format (reported by some technicans) without harm the hard drive (no harms ONLY meant the users didn't awared of any problems after low-level formatted). Like IDE-interface HD, SCSI-interface HD is also use the logical-level interface [1] with your system. So similar problem may occur during low-level format. ESDI-interface HD uses device-level interface, its controller can read the drive's physical capacity parameters *directly off* the drive. So I think it's ok (safe) to low-level format the ESDI by using any low-level utilities designed for old ST506/416 interface HD. [1]: or system-level interface. Since SCSI is not really a controller. uucp : lsuc!canrem!simon.chang internet: simon.chang%canrem.uucp@lsuc.on.ca (law society of upper canada) --- * SLMR 2.0 * This message was brought to you by Dickson Hill Ltd. -- Canada Remote Systems. Toronto, Ontario NorthAmeriNet Host