Quick Format: This option can be selected if the disk has previously been formatted and you just want to clear the data off the disk.Ĭreate an MS-DOS startup disk: This option can be used to copy system files over to make a bootable system disk (everyone should have at least one of these). Volume Label: This is where you can enter a label for your floppy disk, simply type the name into the box, in our example we have named the disk NEW DISK. If you are unsure or FAT is the only option then just leave it on FAT.Īllocation Unit Size: This should be left on the default, unless you have a reason to change it. Now you are presented with the Format Dialogue box, as shown below in fig 1.1Ĭapacity: This will depend on the floppy disk that you are formatting, most disks are 1.44Mb, if unsure, it is best to leave this option as it is.įile System: FAT or NTFS, FAT is the normal file system for floppies, however, if you have a utility installed to enable NTFS floppies then select NTFS. Next, right click on the floppy drive icon (see below), then left click on the Format option from the menu that appears. Note: if you are using the classic start menu, then simply double click My Computer on the desktop.

The Windows XP operating system makes it easy to format floppy disks, you will find the process very straightforward by following the instructions below.įirst, click on the START button, then click on My Computer on the start menu.

Why do i need to format my floppy disk