After doing a low-level format, what would be the next step in configuring the hard drive in a system?

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Step 1: Low-level formatting

A low-level format (also known as a physical format) is the process that prepares the physical surface of a hard disk to store data. It divides the disk into tracks and sectors that the drive controller uses to read and write information. This process is usually done at the factory, but in older systems, users could perform it manually to repair or reinitialize the disk.

After a low-level format, the hard disk is physically ready but cannot yet store files or run an operating system because it lacks logical structures like partitions or file systems.

Step 2: Partitioning the hard disk

The next logical step after low-level formatting is to partition the hard disk. Partitioning divides the disk into one or more logical sections called partitions. Each partition acts as an independent logical drive (for example, C:, D:, etc.).

During this step, the partition table is created in the Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT), which allows the computer to identify and manage each section of the disk.

Without partitioning, the operating system cannot determine where to store files or how to organize the data structure on the disk.

Step 3: High-level formatting (Formatting the partition)

Once partitions are created, each one must be high-level formatted (also called logical formatting). This step is sometimes described in older terminology as "Format DOS partition" (Option A).

High-level formatting creates the file system (such as FAT32, NTFS, ext4, etc.) within a partition, enabling the operating system to store and retrieve files effectively.

Step 4: Installing the operating system

After high-level formatting, the system is finally ready to install the operating system (Option B). The OS setup program uses the formatted partition(s) to copy system files and configure the boot structure.

Conclusion

The correct chronological sequence of steps is:

Low-level format → Partition hard disk → Format DOS partition → Install operating system

Therefore, immediately after performing a low-level format, the next step is to partition the hard disk.

Hence, the correct answer is Option D: Partition hard disk.