Formatting Media For Use With FreeBSD: A Tutorial
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# 3 Making Compatibility Mode Disks

## 3.1 Introduction

The command line is the easiest way to make dedicated disks, and the worst way to make compatibility disks. The command-line `fdisk` utility requires higher math skills and an in-depth understanding of the slice table, which is more than most people want to deal with. Use sysinstall for compatibility disks, as described below.

## 3.2 Making Compatibility Mode Disks Using Sysinstall

1. Start sysinstall as root by typing

       # /stand/sysinstall

   from the command prompt.

2. Select `Index`.

3. Select `Partition`.

4. Select the disk to edit with arrow keys and SPACE.

5. If you are using this entire disk for FreeBSD, select `A`.

6. When asked:

       Do you want to do this with a true partition entry so as to remain
       cooperative with any future possible operating systems on the
       drive(s)?

   answer `yes`.

7. Select `Write`.

8. When asked to install the boot manager, select None with SPACE then hit ENTER for OK.

9. `Quit` the FDISK Editor.

10. You will be asked about the boot manager, select `None` again.

11. Select `Label` from the Index menu.

12. Label as desired. For a single partition, accept the default size, type filesystem, and a mountpoint (which is not used).

13. The filesystem will be newfs'd for you, unless you select otherwise (for new partitions you will want to do this!). You will get the error:

        Error mounting /mnt/dev/ad2s1e on /mnt/blah : No such file or directory

    Ignore.

14. Exit out by repeatedly pressing ESCAPE.

Your new disk is now ready for use.

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Formatting Disks in Dedicated Mode |  | Other Disk Operations