Various Topics on HDD

..Ta.. ..mage.c..

Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160
GB)? On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write
errors. Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off and on
to access the HDD again. I also tried different power and USB cables
since many people use the same HDD. Also, it is not heat beause
sometimes I get this problem after a few minutes after powering on from
room temperature (not warm either).

Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing
deep. Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52, but I
don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite, but it done
via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.

Thank you in advance.
--
[Laser pulsing] "Bah. It's as easy as crushing an ant! You know, the..." [grunting] "Wh-wh-whoa! Hey, take my wallet and leave me alone!" --Mr. Burns from The Simpsons (Fraudcast News; FABF16/FABF18 episode)
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Please remove ANT if replying by e-mail.
( )

..d ..e..

ANTant@zimage.com wrote:

> Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
> checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160 GB)?

None that do what SpinRite claims to do.

> On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write errors.

Thats usually a problem with the bridge in the box, lousy design.

> Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off
> and on to access the HDD again. I also tried different power
> and USB cables since many people use the same HDD.

You could try a different USB port, or a USB PCI card in the PC.

> Also, it is not heat beause sometimes I get this problem after a few
> minutes after powering on from room temperature (not warm either).

> Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing deep.

It only 'tests' file systems, not hard drives.

> Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52,
> but I don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite,
> but it done via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.

If all you want to do is exercise the drive thats USB connnected, you could
try Bart's disktool. Not sure if it works with USB connected drives tho.

.... ..gn..

Previously ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
> Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
> checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160
> GB)?

SpinRite is outdated enough, that it really just does a conventional
surface scan these days. ONly the disk itself can do more via SMART.

> On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write
> errors. Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off and on
> to access the HDD again. I also tried different power and USB cables
> since many people use the same HDD. Also, it is not heat beause
> sometimes I get this problem after a few minutes after powering on from
> room temperature (not warm either).

> Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing
> deep. Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52, but I
> don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite, but it done
> via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.

> Thank you in advance.

There is only one option that works and does more than a very
simple scan for defective sectors: Remove the disk, connect it
directly to an (S)ATA bus and do a long SMART selftest.
Look at the SMART attributes and the SMART error log, before and
after the test. Unfortunately this is impossible over USB.

Arno

..Ta.. ..mage.c..

In comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:
> ANTant@zimage.com wrote:

> > Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
> > checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160 GB)?

> None that do what SpinRite claims to do.

Hmmph.


> > On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write errors.

> Thats usually a problem with the bridge in the box, lousy design.

What do you mean by bridge? Architecture?


> > Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off
> > and on to access the HDD again. I also tried different power
> > and USB cables since many people use the same HDD.

> You could try a different USB port, or a USB PCI card in the PC.

Already tried different ports (used the back) and different computers.
All had the same errors. I also tried others' USB HDDs (same brand and
models -- one was a different size), and no problems. I think the one I
am investigating is dying.


> > Also, it is not heat beause sometimes I get this problem after a few
> > minutes after powering on from room temperature (not warm either).

> > Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing deep.

> It only 'tests' file systems, not hard drives.

Ah. Speaking of testing HDDs, can I use those Maxtor disk utilites? Or
do they not support external USB drives?


> > Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52,
> > but I don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite,
> > but it done via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.

> If all you want to do is exercise the drive thats USB connnected, you could
> try Bart's disktool. Not sure if it works with USB connected drives tho.

Can I use this in regular Windows XP SP2 or do I have to boot off a
BartPE??
--
[Laser pulsing] "Bah. It's as easy as crushing an ant! You know, the..." [grunting] "Wh-wh-whoa! Hey, take my wallet and leave me alone!" --Mr. Burns from The Simpsons (Fraudcast News; FABF16/FABF18 episode)
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Please remove ANT if replying by e-mail.
( )

..Ta.. ..mage.c..

In comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage Arno Wagner <me@privacy.net> wrote:
> Previously ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
> > Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
> > checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160
> > GB)?

> SpinRite is outdated enough, that it really just does a conventional
> surface scan these days. ONly the disk itself can do more via SMART.

Interesting.


> > On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write
> > errors. Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off and on
> > to access the HDD again. I also tried different power and USB cables
> > since many people use the same HDD. Also, it is not heat beause
> > sometimes I get this problem after a few minutes after powering on from
> > room temperature (not warm either).

> > Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing
> > deep. Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52, but I
> > don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite, but it done
> > via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.

> > Thank you in advance.

> There is only one option that works and does more than a very
> simple scan for defective sectors: Remove the disk, connect it
> directly to an (S)ATA bus and do a long SMART selftest.
> Look at the SMART attributes and the SMART error log, before and
> after the test. Unfortunately this is impossible over USB.

How difficult is it to remove the disk portion? It is one of those
Maxtor's OneTouch Family? It is one of these: http://tinyurl.com/yc2xgp
or
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/Ma...Touch%20Family
.... I think it is about three years old? I guess it can be opened since
its warranty is over.

--
[Laser pulsing] "Bah. It's as easy as crushing an ant! You know, the..." [grunting] "Wh-wh-whoa! Hey, take my wallet and leave me alone!" --Mr. Burns from The Simpsons (Fraudcast News; FABF16/FABF18 episode)
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Please remove ANT if replying by e-mail.
( )

..d ..e..

ANTant@zimage.com wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>> ANTant@zimage.com wrote:

>>> Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
>>> checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160 GB)?

>> None that do what SpinRite claims to do.

> Hmmph.

>>> On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write errors.

>> Thats usually a problem with the bridge in the box, lousy design.

> What do you mean by bridge?

What is in the box that interfaces between the USB2 and PATA or SATA.

> Architecture?

Nope.

>>> Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off
>>> and on to access the HDD again. I also tried different power
>>> and USB cables since many people use the same HDD.

>> You could try a different USB port, or a USB PCI card in the PC.

> Already tried different ports (used the back) and different computers.
> All had the same errors. I also tried others' USB HDDs (same brand
> and models -- one was a different size), and no problems.

> I think the one I am investigating is dying.

Quite possible if it didnt always do that.

>>> Also, it is not heat beause sometimes I get this problem after a few
>>> minutes after powering on from room temperature (not warm either).

>>> Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing deep.

>> It only 'tests' file systems, not hard drives.

> Ah. Speaking of testing HDDs, can I use those Maxtor disk utilites?

Yes.

> Or do they not support external USB drives?

Yes they do, in their own external housings anyway.

>>> Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52,
>>> but I don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite,
>>> but it done via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.

>> If all you want to do is exercise the drive thats USB connnected,
>> you could try Bart's disktool. Not sure if it works with USB
>> connected drives tho.

> Can I use this in regular Windows XP SP2 or do I have to boot off a BartPE??

Cant remember, try it and see.

....

ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
> Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
> checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160
> GB)? On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write
> errors. Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off and on
> to access the HDD again. I also tried different power and USB cables
> since many people use the same HDD. Also, it is not heat beause
> sometimes I get this problem after a few minutes after powering on from
> room temperature (not warm either).
>
> Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing
> deep. Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52, but I
> don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite, but it done
> via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.
>
> Thank you in advance.
Check out seagate seatools online.
See if that does what you want.
mike

.... ..gn..

Previously ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
> In comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage Arno Wagner <me@privacy.net> wrote:
>> Previously ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
>> > Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
>> > checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160
>> > GB)?

>> SpinRite is outdated enough, that it really just does a conventional
>> surface scan these days. ONly the disk itself can do more via SMART.

> Interesting.


>> > On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write
>> > errors. Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off and on
>> > to access the HDD again. I also tried different power and USB cables
>> > since many people use the same HDD. Also, it is not heat beause
>> > sometimes I get this problem after a few minutes after powering on from
>> > room temperature (not warm either).

>> > Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing
>> > deep. Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52, but I
>> > don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite, but it done
>> > via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.

>> > Thank you in advance.

>> There is only one option that works and does more than a very
>> simple scan for defective sectors: Remove the disk, connect it
>> directly to an (S)ATA bus and do a long SMART selftest.
>> Look at the SMART attributes and the SMART error log, before and
>> after the test. Unfortunately this is impossible over USB.

> How difficult is it to remove the disk portion? It is one of those
> Maxtor's OneTouch Family? It is one of these: http://tinyurl.com/yc2xgp
> or
> http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/Ma...Touch%20Family
> ... I think it is about three years old? I guess it can be opened since
> its warranty is over.

No idea. I never bought one of these because of their _very_ bad
reputation for failing often. Usually it is not difficult.

Arno

.... ..gn..

Previously mike <spamme9@gmail.com> wrote:
> ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
>> Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
>> checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160
>> GB)? On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write
>> errors. Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off and on
>> to access the HDD again. I also tried different power and USB cables
>> since many people use the same HDD. Also, it is not heat beause
>> sometimes I get this problem after a few minutes after powering on from
>> room temperature (not warm either).
>>
>> Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing
>> deep. Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52, but I
>> don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite, but it done
>> via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.
>>
>> Thank you in advance.
> Check out seagate seatools online.
> See if that does what you want.

It does not. I checked recently because someone claimed these
tools could do SMART over USB. They can not.

Arno

.. ..k..

In article <4ustfuF19nrn9U2@mid.individual.net>,
Arno Wagner <me@privacy.net> wrote:
>Previously mike <spamme9@gmail.com> wrote:
>> ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
>>> Are there free programs like SpinRite that does well to do DEEP disk
>>> checking/testings on external hard disk drives like Maxtor's USB (160
>>> GB)? On two computers at work, I had it had it showed delay write
>>> errors. Then, Windows lose connections and I have to repower off and on
>>> to access the HDD again. I also tried different power and USB cables
>>> since many people use the same HDD. Also, it is not heat beause
>>> sometimes I get this problem after a few minutes after powering on from
>>> room temperature (not warm either).
>>>
>>> Chkdsk /f /r did not report anything. I don't think it does testing
>>> deep. Are there any tools that will do? I am trying HD Tune v2.52, but I
>>> don't think that's enough. I need something like SpinRite, but it done
>>> via DOS and doesn't do USB connections.


In the last resort, pull the disk out of the USB box and hook it up to
an IDE controller in a PC.

I'd run the "Drive Fitness test" downloaded from the disk
manufacturer's web site (not the USB box's manufacturer.) I figure
that the disk maker has access to specifics for the disk and it's
free. If it gives you an error code you might even be able to find
out what it means.

I've seen Partition Magic's file system check command find a problem
in an NTFS file system that chkdsk didn't see. This was an XP system
and PM decided it couldn't resize the partition for me. PITA. The
file system problem was at the NTFS level, not the hardware. It came
from the factory, broken. Restoring from the "recovery disk" left me
in the same place.

FWIW, circa NT4, I saw PerfectDisk find MFT problems that Chkdsk
couldn't find.

I'm not a big fan of Chkdsk, especially for production servers.


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