Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: shaz on August 03, 2009, 04:19:12 PM

Title: Western Digital External Hard Drive Bad Sectors
Post by: shaz on August 03, 2009, 04:19:12 PM

Hi guys,
I purchased a 1 TB WD external hard drive 3 months ago. I've noticed bad sector on it after I ran a hard disk test software. I was wondering if I could run a low level format to get rid off the bad sectors. If yes, what tool is recommended. Is this drive is going to keep making problems for me? Is it faulty and there is no hope for it?

Please advise.

Thanks in advance,
Shaz

Title: Re: Western Digital External Hard Drive Bad Sectors
Post by: Karnac on August 03, 2009, 05:51:00 PM

First, I would backup everything on that drive that is important to you.

Then run Chkdsk....

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265

For Vista - http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/how-to-use-check-disk-in-windows-vista/

And then if problems persist return it for another under warranty

Title: Re: Western Digital External Hard Drive Bad Sectors
Post by: shaz on August 05, 2009, 01:03:27 PM

Thanks a lot. I ran the chkdsk and it seems that all bad sectors are now isolated. Is this drive reliable? Is there any permanent fix for it? Can I ran nlow-level format to rpir it?

Please advise

Title: Re: Western Digital External Hard Drive Bad Sectors
Post by: Karnac on August 05, 2009, 06:14:03 PM

Personally, I couldn't allow myself to put any important data on that drive.......ease your mind, return it under  warranty while you can....it can't be trusted.

Title: Re: Western Digital External Hard Drive Bad Sectors
Post by: BC_Programmer on August 05, 2009, 06:52:40 PM

I agree. The only drives I've had that developed bad sectors would be well out of warranty (10-12 years), and most failed shortly afterwards.