Fig. 3-2 3.5” Diskette
Formatting Diskettes SX/DX
When you purchase diskettes they are usually unformatted, and cannot be used until they have been
formatted. Some companies also offer pre-formatted diskettes, though if you purchase such diskettes,
you must make sure that they are IBM formatted diskettes.
An unformatted diskette can be compared to a record before the groove has been engraved on it. All
diskettes must first be formatted before they can be used to store data. If you insert an unformatted
diskette into a floppy disk drive you will get an error message when you try to write to the diskette.
Formatting diskettes is a simple process and is achieved with the MS-DOS FORMAT command. For
basic instructions on how to use this command, please refer to page 5-10 in this manual or type
HELP
FORMAT
at the DOS prompt or refer to the DOS user’s manual.
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