Western Digital External Hard Drive Bad Sectors

[shaz]

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

[Karnac]

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

[shaz]

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

[Karnac]

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.

[BC_Programmer]

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.