High-level format
Method of formatting a hard disk drive that initializes portions of the hard disk drive and creates important file system areas on the disk. A good example of a high-level format is using the format command in MS-DOS.
A high-level format is commonly done if a user wishes to erase the hard disk drive and reinstall the operating system back onto the hard disk drive. If errors are present on the hard disk drive, or a high-level format is unable to be completed, a low-level format may need to be done first.
Also see: Format, Hard disk drive definitions, Low-level format