Low-level format a Toshiba drive?

[Wiley Q. Hacker]

Hi all,

Working on a friend's computer, I think I've run into a boot-sector
virus. He's all backed up, so a low-level format (zero fill) would be
the ideal solution.

Is anyone aware of a freeware zero fill utility for Toshiba drives?

Thanks.

 

[JAD]

do a fdisk /mbr at the prompt
then just remove the partition with fdisk, that should do it. Use your OS
disk to boot from, and repartition and format from there.
your Idea would work also, but that could take FOREVER depending on the
size.

 

[Michael Hawes]

do a fdisk /mbr at the prompt
then just remove the partition with fdisk, that should do it. Use your OS
disk to boot from, and repartition and format from there.
your Idea would work also, but that could take FOREVER depending on the
size.

Why do you think it's a boot-sector virus? They are very uncommon now.
Fdisk /MBR will fix a damaged boot sector. If nothing shows on a virus scan
there is no reason to wipe the drive.
Mike.