Recommendations and Requirements for Using the format Utility

You must be superuser or have assumed an equivalent role to use the format utility. Otherwise, the following error message is displayed when you try to use the format utility:

$ format
Searching for disks...done
No permission (or no disks found)!

Keep the following guidelines in mind when you use the format utility and want to preserve the existing data:

• Back up all files on the disk drive.

• Save all your defect lists in files by using the format utility's dump command. The file name should include the drive type, model number, and serial number.

• Save the paper copies of the manufacturer's defect list that was shipped with your drive.