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The FORMATcommand creates a new directory structure and a file allocation table for the disk. It also has the capability of checking for bad areas on the disk, and can delete all data that is available on the disk. In order for MS-DOS to be able to use a new disk, you must first use this command to format the disk.
Syntax
FORMAT drive: [ /V [ :label ] ] [ /Q ] [ /U ] [ /F:size ] [ /B | /S ] [ /C ]
Examples
format a: - Does a complete format and destroys all existing data on the floppy disk. Commonly used when the disk is not pre-formatted.
format a: /q - Quickly erases all data on a floppy disk. It does not do a sector by sector scan. Commonly used when the disk is known to be in good working condition.
format c: - Erases all data on your hard disk drive. Do not use this unless you wish to erase all data on your computers.
Note: If you use the format command this will erase the entire contents of the hard disk. This command will issue a warning before it proceeds. Once said yes to continue format the change is irreversible. Before you do this you must take the backup of necessary files and folders in a different media.
