Windows 2000
Working with Diskettes
This document contains information and general tips about working with diskettes, such as density information and tips for proper diskette care.
About Diskette Density
Diskettes come in several different sizes and capacities. The most common diskette used today is the 3½" high density diskette. The 5¼" is still available and is generally used to move files between older computers and newer computers. A limited number of computers with 5¼" drivers are available on campus. Both the 3½" and the 5¼" diskettes come in low and high density formats. The density is referring to how much space the diskette has for storing information. The following table summarizes the two types of 3½" floppy diskettes commonly used and the related capacities.
| 3 1/2" Diskette Type | Space |
| Low/Double Density (DD) | 720K |
| High Density (HD) | 1.44MB |
As the high and low density 3½" diskettes are the same physical size you need to do a visual check to determine the density. The following graphic indicates the physical difference between high and low density diskettes.
Formatting Diskettes
Formatting diskettes is a process that needs to be done before you can save any information to them. The formatting process is generally only completed one time as it completely erases all information on the diskette.
About the Format Dialog Box
When you format a diskette, you will work with the Format dialog box.
Capacity
Identify the diskette as a high-density or low-density diskette.
Format Type Quick:
Format the diskette to prepare it for saving files. The Quick format does not scan the diskette for bad sectors.
Full
Format the diskette to prepare it for saving files and check for bad sectors.
Copy System Files Only
Copies the files required to create a system diskette. Does not format the diskette so existing information is not lost.
Other Options Label
create an electronic label for the diskette. This label is stored internally.
No Label
specifically state that you do not want a label on the diskette.
Display Summary when finished
a summary of the format process will appear when the process is complete (recommended).
Copy System Files
After the diskette is formatted, copy system files to the diskette.
Formatting an Unformatted Diskette
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From the Start menu, select Programs » Accessories » Windows Explorer
The My Computer dialog box appears. -
Insert the diskette into the floppy drive
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In the My Computer dialog box, double click 3 1/2 FLOPPY (A:)
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A message will appear that the disk is unformatted and ask if you want to format the diskette
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To format, click YES
The Format dialog box appears.
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Complete the dialog box to the preferred settings and click START
When the process is complete, a status dialog box appears. -
If you want to format another diskette, click YES
If you do not want to format another diskette, click NO.
Reformatting a Formatted Diskette
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From the Start menu, select Programs » Accessories » Windows Explorer
The My Computer dialog box appears. -
Insert the diskette into the floppy drive
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In the My Computer dialog box, point to and right click on 3 1/2 FLOPPY (A:)
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From the quick menu that appears, select Format
The Format dialog box appears.
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Complete the dialog box to the preferred settings and click START
When the process is complete, a status dialog box appears. -
If you want to format another diskette, click YES
If you do not want to format another diskette, click NO
