Best program to analyze bad sectors

[sharpwitz]

Before I re-install any OS, I usually check the HD for bad sectors. However, recently, I had a Western Digital HD that passed the WD Diagnostics. So I had assumed that the drive is fit for install. But during installation setup, after 60% completion, I received a message that "Files could not be copied"

At first I thought it was a scatched CD, so I cleaned it. Then I use a CD/DVD drive lens cleaner kit to clean the CD drive. Then I tried CD drive B instead of CD drive A. I even switched Win XP CD's to ensure it was not a scratched disk.
So at this point, I think it's the HD that is failing.

Another tech told me that the diagnostics programs (even if it is from the manufacturer) is worthless. He says you need a special machine that costs $1,500, which can more accurately diagnose bad blocks.

Thoughts on diagnostics programs from manufacturer vs. mystery $1,500 machine.

 

[ComputerClinic]

I use HD Tune personally. It has helped me find bad sectors on plenty of hard drives.

 

[iisjman07]

I use HD Tune personally. It has helped me find bad sectors on plenty of hard drives.

+1, I also use it to test temperatures and SMART values

 

[Colerainescotty]

This is a great little program, I use also, I personally wouldn't spend that amount of money on a machine that tests hard drives, I usually pop one into an old test laptop and run the software on that

 

[sharpwitz]

Ubcd 411

So I take it you guys are not fans of the HD Diagnostics Tools on UBCD 411?

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/