
Configuring the BIOS Setup
The new hard disk may have parameters larger than the allowable maximum. If the
drive parameters are greater than the allowable maximum, divide the actual number
of cylinders by 2 and multiply the actual number of heads by 2. IDE drives use
Universal translation mode. That is, each sector is addressed as an absolute sequential
sector number. Since the embedded "intelligent" controller converts the sector data to
an absolute number, these "false" cylinder and head numbers will still allow the drive
to be used. The example on the next page shows how this is done.
Example:
4
4
Actual
parameters
Conversion
factor
Numbers
to Use
Cylinders
1350
divide by 2
675
Heads
5
multiply by
2
10
Sectors
32
(none)
32
Total
Sectors
216,000
216,000
Table 4. Fixed Disk Configuration Example.
After the Fixed disk(s) have been configured, press F10 to save the data or ESC to
ignore the changes. In either case you will be returned to the main setup screen.
Disk Formatting
The hard disk in the EPC-7 is an IDE disk which is "hard sectored"; therefore it does
not require low-level formatting. Depending on the context in which you ordered the
EPC-7, the disk is either bootable (containing an operating system and other software
pre-installed) or empty (neither partitioned nor formatted).
Low-level IDE (AT) Disk Formatting
Low-level formatting was originally performed on "soft-sectored" hard disks to
establish logical sectors, map out bad sectors, create the master boot block, etc. Since
IDE hard disks are "hard-sectored", they do not need low-level formatting. However,
the original purpose of low-level formatting has evolved and it is now also used to
wipe a disk clean of all data.
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