The DOS/Batch Disk Initialization Program DSKINT

This document describes DSKINT, a program used for initializing RPØ3 disks with a standard DOS/BATCH file structure. It outlines the various functions DSKINT performs, including zeroing the entire disk surface, verifying disk integrity by writing and reading test patterns, and identifying bad blocks by creating a BADB.SYS file. DSKINT also handles the core initialization process, which involves verifying and zeroing essential disk blocks, writing file directories and bit maps, and entering user information into the Master File Directory (MFD).

The program operates in two primary modes: Normal mode, for general initialization tasks, and Mark mode, for detailed management of bad block addresses within BADB.SYS. It details the command switches (/Z Zero, /V Verify, /R Retain, /L List, /M Enter Mark Mode, /U Unmark, /D Done) used to control DSKINT's operations, providing examples for each. Notably, DSKINT is not for formatting system disk packs, a task designated for SYSLOD. The document concludes with sample execution dialogues illustrating how to use DSKINT commands and their corresponding outputs.