Drive diagnostic utilities compendium

I have previously used ckdsk, but in a different post, it was suggested that I try a more comprehensive diagnostic tool to test my drives. We are currently trying to narrow down the possible issues that could be causing my problem. So you think that chkdsk is sufficient? If so, I won't worry about any more disk diagnostic tools.

get a copy of Everest Home Ed (free) and use the Storage section to access the S.M.A.R.T. feature.

this will show you (if the HD supports it) different kinds of conditions that the
drive is monitoring for itself. Run it ONE/day for a few days, then once/week and
finally once/month. You can then track the 4-5 variables that are not mark
all values allowed for changes, indicating there is a growing problem in that area.

Will do. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: Actually, I won't be able to use the Home Ed., because I am needing this for a server. I'm going to look around for a different tool that will still be free before I decide to pay for the Corporate Edition of this.

Thanks Rick

Ran into same scenerio with a Dell that has a Seagate SATA drive. Too many errors for chkdsk to fix, said drive has unrecoverable errors. Was not looking forward to re-install due to the fact that this PC has very customized software that takes forever to configure. Seagate utility scanned (about 4 hours) and fixed all errors on the drive! Then was able to run chkdsk to fix all file errors. Easily saved me hours of "in front of PC time" and I looked like a hero to my customer. I am no novice and have run into drive errors on countless occaisions, but never had one I couldn't fix either through recovery console, repair installation or physically removing the drive and scanning / repairing it from another PC. Was never a fan of Manufacturer Drive Utils, but obviously they have come a long way. Thanks Again!

thx, for the list

what to do if writhen unknown disk inthe place of "C or D"

Hello, what , to do if writhen, unknown disk in the place of "C or D" when you want to reinstal XP? And tried before to give racovery "CHKDSK" and said unracovery problems??????

i use this program quite a bit. The scan rate is about 40 Gig/hour. How long it will take to repair the drive is based on the quantity of bad sectors found. If your disk is really badly damged, it can take a very long time to repair. My typical run time for a disk that won't boot is around 8 hours. That is a long time if you are standing over it watching, but the program doesn't require user input until it is finished, so running it over night is the best option.

Quick note for "File Scavanger v3.7"

When all else has failed this little package will revover most of the files on your hard disk even when most of the other packages say there;s no hope... You do need a second hard drive though as it won't write corrections to the damaged beast . probably a good idea...

Regards

Tom

Thanks Rick! I hope you could help us if ever I have some questions. God bless.

Rick
Very informative & thanks...

Later...

hi guys! can anyone help me to solve my problem on my pc! i use my pc regularly but in the middle of working it restarting the windows! a little help is appreciated thanx...

pls. help me! email me : email removed

Post this in the right forum if u would.

USe the seagate sea tools to check your drive, it works for every brand I have tried it on.

if you have bad sectors on the hard disk, you'll need to low-level format it.

I would keep a lookout on the hard disk. Developing bad sectors are a sign of failure.

Updated List ?

Hi All,

I see the list was last updated in 2007. I am starting to get a lot of "cyclic redundancy check" errors out of utorrent and I have not changed anything in months on this PC.

The drives are only a few months old ( 2 sata drives in a raid) and I am worried I may lose this stuff. I would love to hear some opinions on which of these would test best under vista. Thanks for any/all advice!

Cheers,
GBE300

The util list is missing one of the all time greats: SPINRITE (now ver 6). I've used it off and on since the 20 MB drive days and it would always give you the straight dope. It would also resurrect many drives or at least run them long enough to save the data when all hope was lost. If you REALLY have troubles, go to Gibson Research for enlightenment.

see: GRC.COM

The site also has other good utils and excellent data on the function and testing of all hard drives, ancient and new.

My fave great little aplet: Shoot The Messenger (shut off or turn on Windows Messenger with ONE little util).

Drive Management

Installed a SATA Seagate Barracuda 3.5 1.5TB. Documentation says: After installing, Disconnect the Primary Drive...after following directions, I find that windows no longer booted! I did change the Boot Sequence. Thus, I now have installed; (d) Seagate SATA; (C) Samsung 160GB; (j) External LaCie 500GB.
This configuration becomes rather confusing & I'd really appreciate assistance regarding Partitioning etc..particularly, what to move into the partitions.
I use the LaCie for backups thus I shut it down when not needed.
Thanks for any help.
Bill

hello
Any of you guys have experience with HDD regenerator? thanks


_______________________________________________________________

HDD regenerator is a good prog. So is spinrite. Hitachi drive fitness test works on all hard drives. Hitachi has some other products as well. Easy to google.
A good program for wiping hard drives is DBAN.