Formatting is of two types-low-level and high-level. Low-level formatting creates the tracks and sectors that are used to store data. High-level formatting involves preparing the file system and creating a record of avoidable bad sectors in the partitions. All present hard disks are low-level-formatted by the manufacturer, and the user only performs a high-level format. A high¬level format can be performed in two ways: a Quick Format, which erases the existing file index and creates the desired file system, and a Thorough Format, which in addition also per¬forms a bad sector scan.