User's Manual

264 Virtual Disks
Format and Initialize; Slow and Fast Initialize
Does my controller support this feature? See Supported Features .
The Format or Initialize task erases the files and removes the file systems on
virtual disks while keeping the virtual disk configuration intact. Formatting or
initializing a virtual disk destroys all data on the virtual disk. If the boot
partition resides on the virtual disk, it is destroyed by the format operation.
Some controllers have BIOS settings for a fast initialize or a slow initialize. In
this case, the Initialize task performs the type of initialization (fast or slow)
that is specified in the BIOS.
Other controllers have a Fast Initialize and Slow Initialize task available on
the controller task drop-down menu. For more information, see
Considerations for Fast Initialize and Considerations for Slow Initialize .
NOTE: On a system running Linux operating systems, you cannot format a virtual
disk that contains a mounted volume.
Considerations for Format
The format task applies to the CERC SATA1.5/6ch controllers. After the
format is initiated, it cannot be cancelled.
Considerations for Initialize
The initialize task applies to the PERC 4/SC, 4/DC, 4e/DC, 4/Di, 4e/Si, and
4e/Di controllers.
These controllers also have a Cancel Initialize and Background Initialization
feature. For more information, see
Format and Initialize; Slow and Fast
Initialize
and Background Initialization on PERC Controllers .
NOTE: A fast initialization on the PERC 4/SC, 4/DC, 4e/DC, 4/Di, 4e/Si, and 4e/Di
controllers may occur so quickly that the virtual disk’s State does not display
Initializing. Use the controller BIOS to change the initialization settings.
Considerations for Fast Initialize
Use the Fast Initialize task to initialize all physical disks included in the
virtual disk. The Fast Initialize task updates the metadata on the physical
disks so that all disk space is available for future write operations. The