Epson 386SX - Manual (Page 233)

Appendix D
Physically Formatting a Hard Disk
This appendix describes how to physically format a hard disk.
Sometimes called a low-level format, this procedure should not
be confused with the logical format performed by the MS-DOS
FORMAT command. The physical formatting of a hard disk is a
separate step that is usually done at the factory by the disk
manufacturer.
If your Equity 386SX came with a hard disk, that disk has
already been physically formatted. You need only follow the
instructions in the MS-DOS Installation Guide to prepare your
hard disk for use.
You may need to physically format a hard disk, however, if
either of the following is true:
Your hard disk is producing numerous read/write errors or
you are having other serious problems with the disk.
Sometimes, after a hard disk has been used for a long time,
the disk’s data becomes fragmented, causing the disk to
frequently produce errors. You may need to reformat the
disk in this case.
You have installed a hard disk in your computer that has
never received the low-level format.
Physically formatting a hard disk erases any data it contains.
If you have any data on the disk or you are unsure if
formatting is necessary, contact your Epson dealer for
assistance.
Physically Formatting a Hard Disk D-1