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4.4.3 Partition - Format a Partition
Formatting a partition under Windows NT means creating a file system on the partition. There is a choice of two file system types -- NTFS and FAT. NTFS is the preferred filesystem for a disk array, because it provides important features such as improved recoverability, better data security and more efficient use of large file systems.
The Format dialog box also offers options such as Data Compression and Quick Formatting. We recommend that you do not use Quick Formatting when creating a new partition. Full formatting detects and remaps unusable blocks on the disks, whereas quick formatting does not perform this scan.
Before you format a partition, make sure that any pre-existing data on that partition has been backed up.
To format a partition
Pick a disk that is in the partition you want to format, then use the mouse to select the partition from the right side of the disk. If the partition includes multiple disks, all other members are automatically selected.
From the Partition menu, choose FormatPartition.
A dialog box for selecting the format options will appear. Choose the filesystem type, enter a volume label and choose whether or not Quick Format or Data Compression should be applied (see above for our recommendations).
Click the Start button to perform the format, or Close to cancel the format.
RAIDZONE will warn of potential data loss from formatting, and prompt for confirmation. Choose the OK button to format the partition, or Cancel to leave the partition unformatted. |
