Article ID: 982143 - Last Review: March 30, 2010 - Revision: 1.0

Error message when you try to format an unformatted floppy disk: "Windows was unable to complete the format"

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SYMPTOMS

When you try to format an unformatted floppy disk by using Windows Explorer in Windows Vista, you receive the following error message:
Format Floppy Disk Drive (A:)
Windows was unable to complete the format
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CAUSE

This problem can occur when a floppy disk is not low-level formatted.
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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, change the allocation unit size from 512 bytes to Default allocation size.
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APPLIES TO
  • Windows Vista Business
  • Windows Vista Enterprise
  • Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Windows Vista Starter
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
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Keywords: 
kbtshoot kbexpertisebeginner kbsurveynew kbprb KB982143
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