answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Theoretically - it erases all the data on the disc - However...

On a floppy disk, there is a 'reference track' which holds details of each file on the disc (name, start point, size and end point) When you format a disc - the computer ONLY erases the details on this track. Without the reference track information, there is no way for the computer to locate a file.

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 15y ago

formatting a floppy lets the computer understand it and then, it will be able to read and write data to it. this should only have to be done once for each computer you want to be able to read and write data off of.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago

Formatting is not necessary. You only use that to clean-up the disk to get the most available space.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Explain why you would format a floppy disk?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How can you see your files on floppy disk when you are asked to format the disk?

When prompted to format the floppy disk, click NO. Especially if the disk has files that you wish to access. Formatting the disk erases EVERYTHING on the disk and starts the disk anew.


Is it possible for a floppy drive to change the format of a floppy disk from FAT to RAW and can this be corrected?

Yes it is possible to change the format of a floppy disk from FAT to RAW if the operating system on the PC, which the floppy is to be formated is using but the RAW format than the flopy will have the RAW format at the end of formating the floppy


How frequently should you format a floppy disk?

As little as possible. Floppy disks are prone to corruption and should be accessed as little as possible. It would be generally advised that no data should be stored on a floppy disk, and that any data you have on floppy disk should be removed and backed up on a more reliable format such as flash memory.


How do you format a new floppy disk using an OS command?

A new floppy disk can be formatted using the FORMAT command in DOS. The same tool is available in Windows using the Format utility in 'My Computer'.


A user would like to secure files stored on a floppy disk Which file system should they select to format the disk?

NTFS


How to convert Floppy disk fat to raw?

RAW is unformatted and unreadable so a floppy which is not formatted is in the raw format


Can you reformat a floppy disk in Windows 98?

You can open "My Computer", right-click on the floppy, and select "Format". Or, open up a command window and type FORMAT A:


How are floppy drives formatted?

The actual floppy drive itself is not formatted. The drive only spins the floppy disk or diskette. One can format a disk or diskette from the computer control panel. Right click on Drive A (for example), then select format and follow the screen prompts.


What is full form of S.S.D.D.?

Single Sided, Double Density This is a floppy disk format.


How do you transfer files to a floppy disk?

1. Insert the floppy disk into the drive.2. Open "My Computer"3. Double-click the floppy drive icon.4. Drag and drop the files you want to the floppy disk, or right-click the files, select "Copy", and right-click in the floppy disk folder and select "Paste."If number 3 returns an error that the disk is not formatted, right-click the floppy drive icon and select "Format."


What would you do to make a startup disk using windows 98?

insert floppy drive and go to command prompt and run format /s a:


What is floppy disk slot?

a floppy disk slot is what you put the floppy disk in on a CPU