Re: Apple 2 disc formatting questions

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Mad Martian writes ...
> 
> 1. What do I have to do to an IBM formatted disk to reformat it on an Apple
> 2? It gives me an "initialization error" if I try to format a disk that has
> been previously formatted on an IBM. Blank unformatted disks work fine.

     Some IBM formatted DD and HD 3.5" diskettes have been magnetically
'blasted' by whatever device created them. That is, the formatting and/or
data is written at such a high level that an Apple II 3.5" drive cannot do an
erase and perform a valid format. You may be able erase the diskettes using a
bulk eraser.

     As already mentioned, in general, IBM 3.5" and 5.25" HD diskettes are
not recommended for use in Apple II drives. The magnetic media employed for
HD is just marginally compatible with the bias and write level settings of
Apple II drives.

     Some 3.5" HD diskettes may seem to work in Apple II drives; but they are
not considered to be reliable for long-term data retention.

     5.25" HD diskettes will not work at all in standard 35-track Apple II
drives. They may work in some newer 40-track Apple II drives; however, you
will not be able to use the diskettes in standard drives and would not be
able to send material on diskette to most other Apple II users.

     You can buy new unformatted 3.5" and 5.25" DD diskettes from a number of
places at decent prices. You can also find low-priced packs of used 5.25" DD
diskettes at some thrift shops.

     For more info, see the Apple II FAQs on Diskettes ...

ftp://ground.ecn.uiowa.edu/apple2/Faqs/Formatted/Csa2DSKETTE.txt
http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2DSKETTE.html
...


Rubywand