IBM 8685 - eServer xSeries 255, User Manual

Page: 36 / 66

If this choice appears on the SCSISelect menu, select this choice to perform a
low-level format on a hard disk drive. Depending on the hard disk drive capacity,
the Low-Level Format program could take up to 2 hours.
Use the Low-Level Format program:
– When you are installing software that requires a low-level format
– When you get recurring messages from the diagnostic tests directing you to
run the Low-Level Format program on the hard disk drive
– As a last resort before replacing a failing hard disk drive
Note: If your server has a PCI RAID adapter installed, see the RAID adapter
documentation for instructions for performing low-level formats on hard
disk drives attached to the adapter.
To start the Low-Level Format program:
1. If the hard disk drive is working, make a backup copy of all the files and
programs on the hard disk. (See your operating-system information for
instructions.)
2. Select Format Disk ; then, follow the instructions on the screen.
Note: A hard disk typically contains more tracks than its stated capacity (to
allow for defective tracks). A message appears on the screen if the
defect limit is reached. If this happens, replace the hard disk drive.
22
IBM xSeries 255 Type 8685: User’s Guide