Low-level Format to HDD

This article offers a detailed introduction about low-level format.

And the operating methods are also displayed in this article.

Low-level format refers to dividing cylinders and tracks in blank disk.

Then, cylinders are divided into several sectors.

Next, each sector is divided into ID, GAP, DATA and so on.

We can see that low-level format is carried out before high-level format.

It can not only be achieved inDOSenvironment, but also inWindows NTsystems.

Low-level format only support one hard disk rather than a separate partition.

When each disk leaves the factory, hard disk manufacturers have performed low-level format on it.

Therefore, users dont need to carry out low-level format.

It has a negative impact on the service life of hard disk.

Many hard disk manufacturers suggest that users try not to perform low-level format.

But the premise is that hard disk isnt physically damaged.

Function of low-level format to HDD: low-level format to HDD is a way to thoroughly initialize disk.

Data previously saved on hard disk will be lost after low-level format.

But, there are two situations in which we have to carry out low-level format.

One is that hard disk manufacturers will perform low-level format to disk before it leaves the factory.

For average users, there is no need to consider this matter.

In the second case, what bang out of bed sectors need low-level format?

Lets take a look attypes of hard diskbad sectors before describing this critical question.

Logical bad sectors are easier to deal with than physical bad sectors.

It refers to that hard disk is interfered when data are written in it.

This causes ECC errors.

Generally, 512 bytes need to be written in OS.

But actually, additional dozens of bytes will be written in hard disk.

And all these bytes will be verified and encoded by using ECC.

This is called the cause of logical bad sectors.

TheCHKDSKcommand is able to check the disk surface for bad sectors and mark them.

But what if CHKDSK deletes your important data?

You are advised to use MiniTool Power Data Recovery torecover data after CHKDSK.

Physical Bad Sector

For physical bad sectors, it has catastrophic damage to hard drive.

It can be divided into internal and external physical bad sectors.

Physical damage of hard disk surface belongs to external physical bad sectors.

This cant be repaired.

But when outside influence causes data writing error, OS will judge this as physical bad sector.

For these types of bad sectors, external physical bad sectors are certainly beyond repair.

Carrying out low-level format on hard disk can delete all disk partitions, but bad sectors still exist.

So we dont advise users to perform low-level format.

This is not only the best solution, but also a complete solution.

This can be reflected when normal computer working interface cant be entered.

Ordinary computer users are unclear about this, so they always think there are problems with computer.

They dont know what storage area is attacked by virus.

If the above phenomenon appears, we can only carry out HDD low-level format.

Virus files stored in disk sector can be eliminated in this way.

you might format partition and reinstall OS after low-level format.

And now, computer can work properly.

Format low-level format command in DOS command of system disk is usually used to achieve HDD low-level format.

This is also called computer DOS system format.

Its also a virus eliminating method when computer is insafe modestate.

When computer works in safe mode state, virus files usually show a non-operational state.

We can press F8 when start computer to enter running option interface.

Then we use UP key and Down key to choose safe mode and press Enter.

Next, we can use downloaded anti-virus software to kill virus.

Computer will automatically restart to work in normal state after finishing killing virus.

This will be described in detail in the following sections.

Here wed like to mention some related topics.

Low-level format tool is essentially different from HDD testing tool.

It can detect hard disk errors and remind users to back up data orrepair hard disk.

It cant be used to perform low level format to HDD.

We usually use some software to perform low-level format on hard disk.

Low-level Format Assembly LanguageDebug assembly language is used to perform low-level format.

Low level format to hard disk can completely damage data on hard disk.

So, we have to be careful before we do this operation.

There are many ways to achieve low-level format.

Assembly language is a low-level programming language.

It is more flexible than DM and other tools.

Its specific system is to use debug process.

The storing address begins with C8005H address.

If you dont want to format, then you’re free to use N to answer.

This can makes low-level format complete within a short time.

It can achieve some management like low-level format and check on hard disk.

This can improve the hard disk usage efficiency.

In practical applications, DM is the same as DOS command (such as fdisk or format).

If the parameter doesnt exist, DM will run in automatic mode.

It will implement INITIALIZE, PARTITIONG and PREPARAFION one by one.

C, DM software runs on the color display.

P, DM software manages hard drives by PCXT.

A, DM software manages hard drives by PCAT.

Runs by 2, DOS, 2.XX version mode.

Runs by 3, DOS, 3.XX version mode.

Runs by 4, DOS, 4.XX version mode (only DM 5.01 version has this parameter).

V, DM runs by using the mode of changeable cluster length and root directory entry.

Because its interface is the same as that of DOS, its quite simple to use.

When performing formatting operation in Windows, do you fail to do this job?

Other Methods In addition to the above introduced low-level format tools, there are many other low-level format methods.

This is a very easy and convenient way to achieve low-level format.

Then you may choose low formatted HardDisk Drive in CMOS menu.

Finally, you might make hard disk wait for low-level format according to the prompt of program.

At the same time, you may answer some program questions before performing low-level format to hard disk.

It is a low-level format tool for hard disk and introduced by Maxtor.

After running Iformat.exe in DOS mode, system will launch warning interface.

So, users are recommended to backup data before running this tool.

And at the same time, users are advised to move other disks away.

If users are sure to carry out low-level format to hard disk, they can press Y.

Then, users will answer some questions to start HDD low-level format.