Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!purdue!bu-cs!encore!chansw!chan
From: chan@chansw.UUCP (Jerry H. Chan)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Hard drive/Controller
Summary: Low Level Format w/o Debug
Message-ID: <1164@chansw.UUCP>
Date: 12 Jun 89 06:12:32 GMT
References: <14348@watdragon.waterloo.edu>
Organization: Chan SmartWare Computers, Worcester, MA
Lines: 35

In article <14348@watdragon.waterloo.edu>, mdharding@dahlia.waterloo.edu (Matthew D. Harding) writes:
> To all the people who answered my plea for help: Thank you very much.
> 
> But it is still not answered!!! Nearly everyone suggested that it is probably
> not low-level formatted, and suggested using debug and the command g=c800:5
> to intiate the ROM program. However, this hangs my machine big time, generating
> 1) Divide overflow, or 2)clear screen and hang, or 3) cold reboot, or any combo
> of the above. Many people suggested that I should do this if my controller is

Not all HD controllers allow you to perform a low-level format on your disk.
It depends on whether or not you have a BIOS on your HD controller with the
necessary "program" in ROM.  One quick way that you can check is to disassemble
a the code at C800:5 via debug by typing DEBUG at the DOS prompt followed by
"u c800:5".  If there is legitimate code there and not a bunch of 0's or F's,
then you probably have the BIOS necessary to perform a low level format via
debug.

Other alternatives are to buy low-level formatting utilities (i.e., Disk
Manager, Speedstor) or to get a hold on a public-domain low-level formatter.
I can't recommend any such public domain program since I personally haven't
tried one.  Check out your local BBS if you don't want to buy a commercial
product.

BTW, I use Disk Manager regularly (you get these free w/purchase of Seagate
disks) with lots of success.  Their phone number is 1-800-752-1333, or in
MN, 612-937-1107.  I have no affiliation with this company other than being
a (generally) satisfied customer.

Good luck.

-- 
----------
Jerry Chan (encore!chansw!chan) 508-853-0747 | "My views necessarily reflect the
Chan Smart!Ware Computer Services & Products |  views of the Company because
Worcester, MA 01606                          |  I *am* the Company." :-)