How to test and format 250GB Hard drive?

[fLYtRap]

I just got a new 250GB HDD and I was wondering how do I test this drive for any errors that it may have. I have this software called GWSCAN that I can use to test my other drives. I can also use this software to erase entire disc, create new partition and do a format, but for some reason it doesn't work for this drive. The drive its visible in my computer (BTW it is an external drive) and I can access with no problems. It is also formatted to NTSF.
What I want to do is to test all sectors of this drive to find out if there are any bad sectors. Is there a speciall software for large hard drives?
I was also trying to use dos fdisk, but that didn't deteced the drive at all.
For future references I'd like to know how do I format a drive like this.

[jagabo]

You can use Window's Check Disk utility:

My Computer -> (right click on the drive and select) Properties -> Tools -> Check Now. Enable "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" and press Start.

[grossjamesh]

If your drive is formatted to NTFS it has already been checked for errors. Windows will not format a bad sector.

[fLYtRap]

If your drive is formatted to NTFS it has already been checked for errors. Windows will not format a bad sector.

You are wrong about this.
I had a drive with 3 bad sectors on it and I was able to install and run windows.

[InXess]

Format marks bad sectors and ignores them afterwards (never writes data) together with "known errors" table from the HDD.
If unmarked bad sector is detected by HDD SMART Windows will not install unless error is fixed. Marked bad sectors are OK, HDD will still work. Problem starts when those sectors contain data computer tries to access.

[grossjamesh]

When Windows does a write operation the data is writen and then verified. That how the system knows the throw a write failure exception. In addition when a read operation is performed the HD controller will read the CRC associated with a sector's data if it doesn't match then Windows throws a CRC error. If data on the HD seems to go bad then your drive has probably suffered a head crash.
Doing a de-frag. operation is one of the best ways to keep the data on the hard drive "fresh".

[fLYtRap]

The drive appears to be in an excellent shape, although it is new it was also open box. It is working fine, however I want to make sure that is 100% good.

Does anyone knows what kind of software do I need to do this?

I was trying FDISK and GWSCAN, but neither of those can see the drive.

[kschang]

HD Tach, maybe?

[InXess]

To check integrity (bad sectors etc.) best are manuf. tools: Powermax from Maxtor or if WD either Powermax (works with all brands) or WD DataLifeguard tools (only for WD drives).
Drive performance: SiSoft Sandra.

[edsmith77]

flytrap,
Not to add confusion to your topic but I was intrigued by your last post and specifically your last line.

I was trying FDISK and GWSCAN, but neither of those can see the drive.

If your OS does not recognize the disk then NO software will help you along. You first have to get the OS to recognize the disk. You may have some installation problems, ie. wrong cabeling, CMOS settings incorrect, etc.

If I misunderstood your last comment, just ignore this post.

Ed

[fLYtRap]

To check integrity (bad sectors etc.) best are manuf. tools: Powermax from Maxtor or if WD either Powermax (works with all brands) or WD DataLifeguard tools (only for WD drives).
Drive performance: SiSoft Sandra.

I have Powermax and this software doesn't "see" the drive, because it is an external HDD.

I propablly need something that I can install.

[fLYtRap]

flytrap,
Not to add confusion to your topic but I was intrigued by your last post and specifically your last line.

I was trying FDISK and GWSCAN, but neither of those can see the drive.

If your OS does not recognize the disk then NO software will help you along. You first have to get the OS to recognize the disk. You may have some installation problems, ie. wrong cabeling, CMOS settings incorrect, etc.

If I misunderstood your last comment, just ignore this post.

Ed

No, the drive its fine and I can access from windows.
The thing is that this is an external drive hooked to my laptop with USB and software like fdisk, gwscan and powermax will not detect it.

[InXess]

Jagaboo has answered your question. Chkdsk also performs surface scan and fixes errors/bad sectors under Windows XP.

Either you follow what he said or:
1. boot with DOS USB drivers and run Powermax
http://www.bootdisk.com/usb.htm.

2. use Windows Checkdisk (above)

3. remove HDD from its housing attach to IDE controller like other drives (you can temp. disconnect and use a CD ROM cable...) boot with Powermax and test.