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(fdutils.info)superformat

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superformat
===========

     `superformat' [`-D' DOS-DRIVE] [`-v' VERBOSITY-LEVEL] [`-b' BEGIN-TRACK]
     [`-e' END-TRACK] [`--superverify'] [`--dosverify']
     [`--noverify'] [`--verify_later']
     [`-G' FORMAT-GAP] [`-F' FINAL-GAP] [`-i' INTERLEAVE] [`-c' CHUNKSIZE]
     [`-g' GAP] [`--absolute-skew' ABSOLUTE-SKEW] [`--head-skew' HEAD-SKEW]
     [`--track-skew' TRACK-SKEW] [`--biggest-last'] DRIVE [MEDIA-DESCRIPTION]

   `superformat' is used to format disks with a capacity of up to 1992K
HD or 3984K ED.  Note: Extended formats for a detailed description of
these formats. Note: Media description for a detailed description of
the syntax for the media description.  If no media description is
given, superformat formats a disk in the highest available density for
that drive, using standard parameters (i.e. no extra capacity formats).

   When the disk is formatted, `superformat' automatically invokes
`mformat' in order to put an MS-DOS filesystem on it. You may ignore
this filesystem, if you don't need it.

   Supeformat allows to format 2m formats.  Be aware, however, that
these `2m' formats were specifically designed to hold an MS-DOS
filesystem, and that they take advantage of the fact that the MS-DOS
filesystem uses redundant sectors on the first track (the FAT, which is
represented twice). The second copy of the FAT is _not_ represented on
the disk.

   High capacity formats are sensitive to the exact rotation speed of
the drive and the resulting difference in raw capacity.  That's why
`superformat' performs a measurement of the disks raw capacity before
proceeding with the formatting.  This measurement is rather time
consuming, and can be avoided by storing the relative deviation of the
drive capacity into the drive definition file file. Note: Drive
descriptions for more details on this file. The line to be inserted
into the drive definition file is printed by superformat after
performing its measurement.  However, this line depends on the drive and
the controller.  Do not copy it to other computers.  Remove it before
installing another drive or upgrade your floppy controller.  Swap the
drive numbers if you swap the drives in your computer.

Common options

The most frequently used options

Advanced options

For experts

Sector skewing options

Optimizing throughput by creatively

arranging the sectors

Examples

Some example command lines

Troubleshooting

Most common failure modes

Superformat bugs

Nobody is perfect