NAME

fmtflop - physically format diskettes

SYNOPSIS

/usr/sbin/fmtflop [ -v ] special_file

DESCRIPTION

fmtflop physically formats the media inserted in the diskette drive. The -v option verifies that the diskette is correctly formatted. The special_file is the path name of the diskette drive (e.g., /dev/rdsk/c0d0s6).

fmtflop formats DOUBLE-SIDED media with 512 byte sectors, 9 sectors per track, and 80 tracks. Before executing fmtflop, the diskette must be placed in the drive and the latch closed.

SEE ALSO

if(7).

DIAGNOSTICS

An error message is returned if the format or verify fails. If this occurs, remove the diskette and reinsert it to make sure it is properly seated, then try entering the command a second time. If the command fails again (especially on the same area of the disk) the diskette is probably bad and must be discarded.

The error message process lock failed is returned if the command is attempted by someone other than the super-user.