User Guide Desktop PC Equity 386SX/16 PLUS

Formatting Diskettes

Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format

it using the FORMAT command. Formatting prepares the

diskette so that MS-DOS can write data on it. You need to do

this only once, before you use the diskette for the first time.

You can also reformat previously used diskettes to store new

data. This process erases all the data on the diskette, so be

sure you do not want to save any of the files on a used

diskette before you format it. See your MS-DOS Reference

Manual for instructions on using the FORMAT command.

Making Backup Copies

It is important to make copies of all your data and system

diskettes. Make backup (or working) copies of all diskettes

that contain programs, such as your MS-DOS, Reference, and

Utility diskettes; then use only the copies. Store the original

diskettes away from your working diskettes. Also, copy your

data diskettes regularly, whenever you revise them and store

them away from your originals.

If you have a hard disk, you’ll probably use it to store the

programs and data files you use regularly. Keep backup copies

of all your files on diskettes.

You can copy your data in several ways. See your MS-DOS

Reference Manual for instructions on using the following

commands:

You can use the COPY or XCOPY command to copy

individual files or groups of files.

You can use the DISKCOPY command to make an exact

duplicate of a diskette.

You can use the BACKUP command to back up hard disk

files to diskettes. Because BACKUP can split large files

across two or more diskettes, it makes more efficient use

of diskette space than COPY or XCOPY.

Using Your Computer

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