Unix in a Nutshell, 4th Edition

Name

fdformat

Synopsis

    fdformat [options] [device]

Solaris and GNU/Linux only.^[*] Format floppy disks and PCMCIA memory cards. device is the name of the appropriate device to format, and varies considerably based on the density of the media, the capability of the disk drive, and—on Solaris—whether or not volume management is in effect.

Solaris Options

-b label

Apply the label to the media. SunOS labels may be up to 8 characters; DOS labels may be up to 11 uppercase characters.

-B file

Install bootloader in file on an MS-DOS diskette. Can only be used with -d or -t dos.

-D

Format a 720KB (3.5 inch) or 360KB (5.25 inch) double-density diskette. Use on high- or extended-density drives.

-e

Eject floppy disk when done.

-E

Format a 2.88MB (3.5 inch) extended-density diskette.

-f

Force. Do not prompt for confirmation before formatting.

-H

Format a 1.44MB (3.5 inch) or 1.2MB (5.25 inch) high-density diskette. Use on extended-density drive.

-M

Use a 1.2MB (3.5 inch) medium-density format on a high-density diskette. Use only with the -t nec option.

-q

Quiet mode. Don’t print status messages.

-t dos

Install an MS-DOS filesystem and boot sector formatting.

-t nec

Install an NEC-DOS filesystem and boot sector after formatting. Use only with -M.

-U

Unmount any filesystems on the media, and then format.

-v

Verify each block on the media after formatting.

-x

Don’t format, just write a SunOS label or MS-DOS filesystem.

Solaris Compatibility Options

These options are for compatibility with previous versions ...