Formatting and Slicing Devices

You can format, name, and create file systems in a single operation on all types of removable devices by using the format option in the Removable Media Manager window.

When the formatting process begins, two separate actions are launched. The first is a low-level format of the device, which utilizes a status bar to update you on the percentage completed. When the format is complete, the second action is launched, which applies the file system and optional name and slices to the device.

To Format a Device

Formatting is done on all rewritable devices, including diskettes, Iomega Zip drives, and Iomega Jaz drives.

1. Click a device icon.

2. In the Removable Media Manager window, choose Format from the Selected menu.

   The Media Format window appears with appropriate selections.

3. Select either Quick Format or Long Format.

4. Choose a type from the File System Type menu.

5. (Optional) Under Volume Label, type a name for the formatted device.

   If no name is specified, the device is not named. If the device has already been formatted and has a volume name, the volume name is not shown.

   If UFS was selected as the file system, the Solaris Slice Editor button appears in the dialog box.

6. Click Format.

   "Long Format" ignores password protection on the device. If the media is read-write protected, you are prompted for the password. "Long Format" is the default value for previously sliced media, write-protected media, or write-protected with password media.

To format, name, and create file systems on all types of removable devices by using the command line, type:

% sdtmedia_format -d volume_device_name