To format a backup tape
- Insert the tape into the tape drive.
- On the Tools menu, click Format Tape.
- Type a name for the tape when you are prompted to do so.
Notes
- Microsoft Backup works only with tape drives that are QIC-compatible. For a complete list of compatible tape drives, click Related Topics below.
- Formatting a tape can take up to several hours, depending on the size of the tape.
- If formatting fails or is progressing very slowly, there may be a conflict between your video display driver and floppy disk controller. It may be possible to avoid this by starting the format operation and then starting a full-screen MS-DOS window.