What's your preferred method for testing a hard drive?

timeshifter

timeshifter

Well-Known Member
Reaction score
2,405
Location
USA
Say you're working on a machine and Windows is getting glitchy or won't boot right. You want to rule out the idea that the hard drive is getting soft on you. What tools and techniques do you use to prove the drive good or bad?
 
Before or after you have confirmed that the data is 100% backed up?

In the case of no backup, I suggest getting a full sector-by-sector clone which is basically backing up every sector as it tests it.

If you have a backup, I suggest MHDD bootable USB or Victoria in Windows, but you would need to pull the drive and connect it to another system.

A quick look at SMART might quickly tell you if the drive is failing, but a positive SMART does not mean that it isn't failing.
 
I use SMART as a primary litmus test for sector-by-sector or just a compressed image. Orange or red in SMART and I sector copy the drive. All showing green and I use a compressed image. As @lcoughey stated a positive SMART doesn't mean the drive won't have issues so my method isn't the best for everyone. Always pull and image before starting which is why many things I prefer to do on the bench instead of in the field.

Then I'll usually go scan the drive with HDD Regenerator and see what it says for delays and such.
 
Last edited:
I boot parted magic and check SMART. In my experience 95% of bad drives show issues in the attributes, so it's my first step. If it looks ok I'll run a short self test to confirm that it can finish the tests. Then, right from parted magic I can use ddrescue to image the drive.

I don't usually bother with full sector scans anymore. In an environment where we service dozens of computers a day it simply takes too long to be practical. If SMART shows it as ok, but it's still having issues that my gut tells me is a failing drive... It just gets a new drive.
 
lcoughey said:
A quick look at SMART might quickly tell you if the drive is failing, but a positive SMART does not mean that it isn't failing.
Click to expand...
I do that as policy on all incoming computers. Before the client even leaves. I explain it is just a QUICK test that looks for obvious issues and is NOT a FULL test.
Smart errors will trigger a full backup or clone.( at a higher rate) And I insist on a new drive. If the client does not want it replaced I note it on the sign sheet and have them sign it to cover my self.
 
Mick said:
WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A FAILING DRIVE: Use Chkdsk
Click to expand...

*snort* Or open up the drive on the bench, and try to manually fix the head, then run it open... Or try to move the platters to another drive (Not even same manufacturer). Or 'freeze' it. Or 'tap' it.

I kid you not, I've seen it all.

Check drive SMART. If no common signs of failing drive and SMART comes back 100%, Short Test. If any signs of issues, contact client. I vary my procedure slightly from other people at this point. I specifically go straight for the client's critical data first. If that is successful with no errors, I do a compressed intelligent clone and confirm the clone is in good shape, then I do 2 full tests on the drive to ensure there is no issues. I do still warn the client and encourage them into a new drive.

I actually have an entire flow I follow that is far more complex than above. If at ANY point I feel there is sufficient risk to recovering data, I halt and then prepare to refer the client and drive to a specialist.

I really should get it down on paper sometime. My logic tree is pretty wide, taking into effect my experiences as well as ones found here.

Who all tests hard drives every time they come in, first thing after getting a clean boot? <hands up> - First thing I always do. Get system booted (if it's not a HD issue already) or yank the drive depending on complexity of getting into the system, and check the drive first. Comes in for quick help with email? Check drive. Comes in for a bad power jack? Check drive. Virus? Check drive.
 
Porthos said:
I do that as policy on all incoming computers. Before the client even leaves. I explain it is just a QUICK test that looks for obvious issues and is NOT a FULL test.
Smart errors will trigger a full backup or clone.( at a higher rate) And I insist on a new drive. If the client does not want it replaced I note it on the sign sheet and have them sign it to cover my self.
Click to expand...
Exactly. We all see drives with 1-2 bad sectors because someone's rammed their laptop watching a movie while walking from living room to bedroom. I'm now even logging in repairshopr every time so I can see trends too.
 
MudRock said:
Who all tests hard drives every time they come in, first thing after getting a clean boot? <hands up> - First thing I always do. Get system booted (if it's not a HD issue already) or yank the drive depending on complexity of getting into the system, and check the drive first. Comes in for quick help with email? Check drive. Comes in for a bad power jack? Check drive. Virus? Check drive.
Click to expand...
Exactly.
 
If in doubt, replace drive. Drives are so damn cheap now, we just clone to a new one.
Plus, client gets back a much faster computer with a new lease on life.

Taking the time to test drives....would add a high cost to the bill. Experience (seat of the pants)...you can tell if a drive is beginning to fail, or at least not performing properly. A quick clone to a much faster new drive....smaller bill for the client, and a much faster machine that will live longer for the client. Happy happy client!

Old drive...minimum of my time wasted, gets a quick wipe and tossed.
 
timeshifter said:
Say you're working on a machine and Windows is getting glitchy or won't boot right. You want to rule out the idea that the hard drive is getting soft on you. What tools and techniques do you use to prove the drive good or bad?
Click to expand...
Buying a new one. As stated above you do a full backup. But a 1TB can be had for $60. I charge $85 hour. If dropping a new drive and a fresh install solves the problem then who cares if the drive was bad or not?
 
  • Like
Reactions: GTP
I have dedicated linux machines with docking bays. We test most drives that come in with gsmartctrl - not all, of course - common sense will tell you when that effort is needed.
 
Thanks for all the responses so far!

What about Passmark's DiskCheckup? Anyone use or recommend that one?

Here's a summary of what everyone recommended up to now:

lcoughey
MHDD bootable USB
Victoria in Windows

Diggs
HDD Regenerator

Krynn72
Parted Magic boot
short self-test ??

Mick
Crystal Disk Info

Slaters Kustom Machines
Parted Magic
GSMartControl

cypress
Crystal Disk Info
gSmartcontrol
 
I notice many here suggest taking a sector-by-sector image or clone immediately after any sign of HDD problems.
My question is: couldn't that potentially kill off the drive before the user data is saved? And what about the length of time this could take?
I usually use Fab's to save user data before full surface scan tests or cloning. This means minimal drive access apart from copying the user's actual files.

So, my procedure is to use Crystal Disk Info, replace drive if Caution or worse.
Otherwise if SMART is OK but I still suspect the HDD: run Fab's to save user data, then full surface scan with Seatools or WDDLG.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

britechguy
Today's BSOD, Code BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO - What's actually going on here?
Replies
13
Views
1K
fincoder
fincoder
thecomputerguy
Client basically told me he's dying and I really didn't know how to respond. How would you?
Replies
9
Views
649
Mike McCall
Mike McCall
britechguy
The Domain and Defederation (from GoDaddy) Dilemma
2
Replies
21
Views
2K
Sky-Knight
Sky-Knight
HCHTech
My month for hard drive failures plus head's up about Dell's outlet
Replies
13
Views
2K
HCHTech
HCHTech
britechguy
For those who'd like to have the Traditional Spelling and Grammar Checking Dialog back in Word 365 . . .
Replies
0
Views
772
britechguy
britechguy
Back
Top