Change in Functionality of FORMAT Command (41245)


The information in this article applies to:
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 4.0
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 4.01
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0a
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.0
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.2
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.21
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.22
This article was previously published under Q41245

SUMMARY

When you FORMAT a floppy disk using the Microsoft MS-DOS Packaged Product version 4.0 or later, the FORMAT utility command issues the following prompt for a volume label if no parameters are specified:

Volume label (11 characters, ENTER for none)?

This procedure is a change in functionality from previous versions, which required the /V switch for a volume label.

If you don't need a volume label for the disk, press the ENTER key when the above prompt is issued by the FORMAT command.

MORE INFORMATION

The following information about the /V switch for the FORMAT utility command appears on page 78 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Reference" manual: 
   /v:label   Specifies the volume label to use. A volume label
              identifies the disk and can be up to 11 characters in
              length (no tabs allowed). If you do not specify the /v
              switch, or specify it without giving the volume label,
              you are automatically prompted for the volume label
              after the format operation completes.
Modification Type: Major Last Reviewed: 5/12/2003
Keywords: KB41245
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