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TICKET ARCHIVE -> reformat drive

No Wonder User - Feb 11, 1999 - 8:41 pm

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Problem: No Problem
Computer Type: apple
Model: 7500/100
RAM: 64meg
RAM Enhancer: None
OS Version: MacOS 8

Description:
I'm considering upgrading the OS to 8.5.1. Is there any benefit to reformating the hard drive before I do it? I have 2 internal drives so it should be easy. Since I have never reformatted a drive before, what software should I use and can it reformat a non Apple drive?

Thanks

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No Wonder Tech - Feb 11, 1999 - 8:51 pm

Richard,
Some think that all hard drives should be reformatted once a year simply to be sure that the underlying magnetic pattern is as strong as it should be. You can use Apple Drive Setup to reformat the drive. It will tell you if the drive is able to be initialized by drive setup. If you want to use HFS+ formating on the 8.5.1 hard drive you HAVE to reformat. There can be definite advantages to doing this, if you have a large (over 1GB) hard drive. HFS+ formatting allows many more small blocks, thus utilizing the hard drive space more efficiently. Drive Setup is on the 8.5 CD. You should also update the hard disk drivers even if you don't reformat.
Good luck
Jay Manning