Windows 9x: "FORMAT C:" or "FORMAT C: /S"?

[Vernon Frazee]

[user#1]> format c: /s
 
[user#2]> DO NOT use the /S switch
 
Many of us have seen similar rebutals on numerous occasions; and not only here in VirtualDr but on other, comparable boards as well. The fact is, Microsoft themselves, the one that created the FORMAT command, has been instructing us to use the "FORMAT C: /S" command to prepare a bootable C: partition beginning with the release of DOS 2.0 (in March 1983) up through at least Windows 98 SE (May/June of 1999). Since most of us know the /s parameter is required with DOS, the following three Microsoft quotes only cover Windows 95 through Windows 98 SE:
 
Microsoft KB: How to Use Fdisk and Format to Partition or Repartition a Hard Disk

The information in this article applies to:
 
o Microsoft Windows 98
o Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
o Microsoft Windows 95
 
[...snip...]
 
8. When the command prompt is displayed, type format c: /s, and then press ENTER. This command transfers the system files and should only be used when formatting drive C (or your "active" drive). Or you can type format drive: (where drive is the letter of the partition you want to format) for all other partitions.
 
[...snip...]

 
Microsoft KB: Duplicating Windows 95/98 Installation to a New Hard Disk

The information in this article applies to:
 
o Microsoft Windows 95
o Microsoft Windows 98
o Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
 
[...snip...]
 
Using Format to Prepare the File System:
 
After the new drive is partitioned, run the Format tool as follows:
 
1. Insert the Windows 95/98 startup disk into drive A, and then restart your computer.
 
2. At a command prompt, type the following line:
 
    WARNING: Verify that the hard disk you are formatting is the new empty hard disk.
 
       format c: /s
 
3. Press Y, and then press ENTER.
 
[...snip...]

 
Microsoft KB: Insufficient Memory to Load System Files

The information in this article applies to:
 
o Microsoft Windows 98
o Microsoft Windows 95
 
[...] When you try to format your hard disk, you may receive the following error message:
 
    Insufficient memory to load system files.
    Format terminated.
 
[...] This problem can occur if [...]
 
o You attempt to format your hard disk using the "format c: /q/u/s/v" command at a command prompt, and there is not enough free conventional memory to use the /s parameter (switch).
 
[...] To work around this problem [...]
 
o Do not use the /s parameter (switch) with the Format command. After the format process is finished, transfer the system files to the hard disk using the SYS C: command.
 
[...]

[This message has been edited by Vernon Frazee (edited 10-05-2000).]

[wontboot]

Interestingly Dumb!

But it brings up a question I can't answer (I'm stuck with OS/2)

When you specify /u/q in 9x
Does format respond with an Unconditional operation, a Quick operation, or does it depend on the order they are listed?

[Vernon Frazee]

The order of the FORMAT parameters doesn't matter.
 
/q = quick format - FAT and root directory deleted, surface not scanned for bad sectors
 
/u = unconditional format - FAT and root directory deleted, surface scanned for bad sectors, sector headers rewritten
 
/q/u (or /u/q) = FAT and root directory deleted, no bad sector check, sector headers not rewritten