MD DATA File System Check

    ©Sony Corporation

Introduction

To select a drive

To start checking

To abort checking

To close this utility

What is MD DATA File System


Introduction

In a formatted MD DATA disc, management information for directories and files is stored in the specific area. MDFSCHK is an utility to check logical conformance of this file management information.

When the system is terminated without standard shutdown procedure due to unexpected power down for instance, management information on the disc may be out of order.  If you continue using such a inconsistent disc, the influence may spread over other normal file information to be invalid.  In order to avoid this kind of problem, you can check validity of file management information on an MD DATA disc with this utility.  You can not check file contents (data in the file) with this utility. This utility functions only with Sony MD DATA drive for any MD DATA media.


To select a drive

This utility searches for all Sony MD DATA drive(s) connected to the system at the beginning.  The first drive found is shown in "Drive" box.  To select another MD DATA drive connected to the system,  click on a button at the right end of "Drive" box and select the drive in a drop-down list box.


To start checking

Confirm that the disc to be checked is loaded in the drive.  Be sure that any other application or utility is not opening nor accessing the disc.  Click on the  "START" button to execute the checking operation.  During the operation, any other application can not access to the MD DATA drive.  The progress of the operation is indicated by a bar graph.


To abort checking

The "CLOSE" button alters to "CANCEL" button during the checking operation.  To abort the checking operation, click on the "CANCEL" button.


To close this utility

 Click on the "CLOSE" button to terminate this utility.


What is MD DATA File System

MD DATA is a format based on an Audio Mini Disc format adding Volume/File management specification for handling data file to be a general digital data media.  The MD DATA format is usable for a computer storage device by defining it as an exclusive file system appropriate for the following requirements.

 - The management strategy of volume and file structure which is optimized

   for MD DATA device hardware.

 - Use of non-computer applications such as consumer electronic products.

 - A file system which is independent of OS or PC platform.

  Logical Structure of MD DATA disc

Program Area	The whole recordable area available for user on a disc.

DATA Track	The area handled by MD DATA File System.

ADT	Alternative data track for defect management.

Boot	Boot area (not used).

VMA	Volume Management Area.

File Extent	Data of a file content.

VD	Volume Descriptor

VSB	Volume Space Bitmap.

MT	Management Table for VMA.

DRB, ERB	The area for recording name, file, linkage and other

information of each file.

The MDFSCHK utility checks logical consistency of VMA on an MD DATA disc. File contents (data in the file) are not checked by this utility.