Sudden loss of Disk Space

[elcaro]

Thanks for all your help GX1_Man, and patio.

Much appreciated

[elcaro]

Just a final question.

I want to do a full format, just to see if that will change anything.

I could use the windows CD and format it that way, or I could use the diagnostic tool and use the option that will do a full erase (write zeroes on the drive).

Is there any difference between the two?

Also, is there any any way to check if there is any physical damage to the HD and how many bad clusters are on the HD altogether?

[patio]

Running the Data Lifeguard disk check will give you that info on what kind of shape that HDD is in...
No problem using their tool to erase the drive either...just start it before you go to bed or have something to do for a few hours.

[elcaro]

Hmm, I ran the Data Lifeguard, but it never finished because it said too many bad sectors. Is that an indication there is something physically wrong with my HD?

[patio]

Yes.

[elcaro]

Dang, I guess there is no point doing a format then.

Thanks patio.

[patio]

You're more than Welcome and stop by anytime...

P.S. you could still hook that HDD up as a slave on a known working machine with a burner and still retrieve most of your data so it's not a total loss.

[elcaro]

Thanks patio.

I can still use this machine, so I've managed to back up the important stuff.