How should I check that a hard drive or SSD is OK?

[Rodion15]

Is there any software to make sure a hard drive/SSD is OK? I mean: that it hasn't any bad sectors, that it can be partitioned OK (without actually having to partition it) and that the file system is OK.

I was surprised the other day when I saw that a hdd passed these two tests using a USB docking station: verified with Disk utility (Apple Yosemite) and Storage diagnostics (which looks for bad sectors etc) and then, after installing it into its iMac it COULDN'T BE PARTITIONED. I had to take it out again, annoying.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yes. Run Seatools for Windows. Run the short drive self test (Short DST) and long generic. The long generic may take some time so be prepared to not use the system for at least an hour or two. Maybe less or more depending on the size of the drive.


http://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/item/seatools-win-master/

 

[smorizio]

with any drives if you put them in a pc and install windows there a small file written to the master boot record. when you switch over to non windows os you have to use disktools to wipe the mbr so that the new os can write to it. if it cant then the drive may not be able to be partion right.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Guess I looked completely past the part where he indicated this was a Mac. My bad.

 

[smorizio]

were asll bad till we have that first cup of cofffee or mnt dew

 

[Darkbreeze]

Actually, it was just extremely late where I am, and was nearly bed time, or actually, probably past it. Heh.

 

[Rodion15]

with any drives if you put them in a pc and install windows there a small file written to the master boot record. when you switch over to non windows os you have to use disktools to wipe the mbr so that the new os can write to it. if it cant then the drive may not be able to be partion right.

The disk I'm talking about had always been part of a MacBook. It's good to know, thanks for the info. With "wipe" you mean to format the drive?

 

[Rodion15]

Yes. Run Seatools for Windows. Run the short drive self test (Short DST) and long generic. The long generic may take some time so be prepared to not use the system for at least an hour or two. Maybe less or more depending on the size of the drive.


http://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/item/seatools-win-master/

Thanks, I'll try that one.

 

[Darkbreeze]

For a Mac system, you might want to try this instead. Seatools is for windows, so if the drive is connected to a windows system, you can use Seatools regardless of drive brand or type. If it's connected to a Mac, this would be a good choice.

http://binaryfruit.com/drivedx

 

[Rodion15]

For a Mac system, you might want to try this instead. Seatools is for windows, so if the drive is connected to a windows system, you can use Seatools regardless of drive brand or type. If it's connected to a Mac, this would be a good choice.

http://binaryfruit.com/drivedx

Thank you, I'm looking at that... I wonder if there's some program to DIAGNOSE and fix hard sectors, such as hdd regenerator does for windows. I know the hdd won't last most times, but sometimes it's good.
Do you know some set of toos similar to Hirens Boot CD for macs?

 

[Darkbreeze]

There is really nothing like Hirens for mac. There are a few drive sector tools though.

http://www.techjaws.com/5-utilities-for-repairing-bad-sectors-in-mac-hard-drives/


I would not trust any drive with failing sectors with my data though. Once sectors begin failing, the writing is on the wall and it's only a matter of time before a catastrophic fault occurs. Sometimes entire blocks will fail instantly or the entire drive will become unreadable.

 

[Rodion15]

Hey, thanks for that, that's what I was looking for. Many times people don't read well what you ask and answer unrelated stuff.

 

[Darkbreeze]

No problem. Glad I could get you going in the right direction. Good luck.