High level formatting is also called as logical formatting. It creates the file system structure on the hard disk. Different operating system use different file system. so high high level formatting program will vary from operating system.
Formatting a disk will erase all data stored on the hard disk. Therefore you must take the backup of the files before formatting the disk. You can format your hard disk if you want to erase all the content of the disk and make it as good as new. To erase the data on the hard disk, need to perform a high level formatting. A low level formatting is not necessary.
When using a Microsoft Window-based operating system. you can format your hard disk in the following ways:
- While installing the operating system
- Using the Format command from the Windows Explorer.
- Using the Format command at the command prompt.
You can use the format.com file to perform a high level formatting. You can copy this file from the C:/Windows/system32 folder and paste it on a bootable floppy that enables you to start the system when it does not boot from the hard disk.
Precaution:
Formatting the hard disk will delete all the data on the disk.
To format the drive of a new hard disk:
- Insert the bootable floppy disk that has the file format.com in the floppy disk drive.
- Restart the system. The system boots using the files on the floppy disk and display the command prompt.
- Type Format following by the drive letter and press ENTER.
- Type Y and press ENTER when the system display a warning and request for a confirmation to format the drive.
- After the format is completed the system will request for a label name for the drive. Type an appropriate name and press ENTER.
To format a drive from the operating system:
- Open Window Explorer.
- Select the drive that you want to format.
- Click Start. The Formatting start and a message box is displayed when the format is complete.