how to do low level formatting?

[amexblue]

This is a link for using wipe.zip and zap.zip for low level formatting a hard drive. My ze1201 hp pavilion hard drive has a 20GB harddrive. What should i use? wipe or zap? or something else? thank u

This link

 

[LiLithTecH]

Why do you think you need to low-level format the drive?

It isn't a wise practice on IDE drives.

 

[amexblue]

i have major problems with my harddrive.

 

[LiLithTecH]

Is it a IBM drive?

If so, have you run their Data Fitness Test yet?

 

[amexblue]

is that what does the low level formatting?
Thank u :0

 

[ojai00]

The Data Fitness Test will test the drive for bad clusters to see if your drive is defective.

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

Originally posted by: LiLithTecH
Why do you think you need to low-level format the drive?

It isn't a wise practice on IDE drives.

why so? 😕

 

[LiLithTecH]

The intregity of the drive based on how well the low-level
format is done.

When done at the Manufacturer, the enviroment conditions are optimal.

When done on a PC, a simple hiccup in the format will render the drive either
useless or do more damage then there was prior to doing the format.
(a lot of factors that are not an issue when the Manufacturer (ie. voltage drops, motherboard
stability, Bios etc..) does the format)