MS-DOS disk preparation: Which MS-DOS command divides the surface of a blank floppy disk into sectors and assigns a unique address to each one (creating the file system structures)?

Introduction / Context:
Preparing a blank floppy for use requires creating the file system and logical structures that the operating system understands. In DOS, this operation is triggered by a specific utility command.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We have a blank floppy disk.
• We need to generate sectors, directory structures, and a file allocation table recognizable by DOS.
• We are choosing among common DOS commands.

Concept / Approach:

The DOS FORMAT command performs high-level formatting, building the boot sector, FAT(s), root directory, and marking logical sector structures. On some hardware it also performs low-level formatting (older controllers), but generally DOS FORMAT prepares the media with the proper file system layout. VER displays DOS version; CHKDSK checks the disk and reports status; there is no separate FAT command to format disks.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

After running FORMAT, DOS reports capacity and allocation unit size; directory listing shows an empty, initialized file system. CHKDSK thereafter reports filesystem details instead of “unformatted”.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• FAT command: No such standard DOS command; FAT is a structure.
• VER: Only shows DOS version.
• CHKDSK: Checks/repairs; does not create the file system structures from scratch.
• None of the above: Incorrect because FORMAT is right.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing low-level vs. high-level formatting; accidentally formatting the wrong drive; forgetting the /S switch or equivalent to make a disk bootable (legacy behavior).

Final Answer:

FORMAT command