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Introduction |
| == Guide notes == | | * '''Parted Magic is a paid utility. This can be redistributed for free legally per the GPL, but I will not help you locate these copies.''' | * '''The hard drive used in this guide was selected for this guide because it had problems. These problems areThis is common on old, heavily used and abused hard drives.'''
* ''' Every hard drive will havebe unique problems. Judge the drive you are evaluating based on the SMART data.'''
* '''Hard drives with SMART errors should be replaced. These drives are often too far gone and will never be reliableto repair.'''
* '''While the major drive manufacturers ([https://support.wdc.com/downloads.aspx?p=2|WD], [https://www.hgst.com/support/hard-drive-support/downloads|HGST] and [https://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/seatools/|Seagate]) offer diagnostic tools that remap the drive, this will only repair drives withworks on minor problems. It is also a good idea to do a backup before and after repairing the drive.''' | | * The tests and inspection points in this guide are not 100% accurate. Intermittent issues may not be detected. | | If you are unsure if your hard drive is failing or evaluating a used drive for reuse, this guide will show you how to detect (and prevent) common drive failures using the SMART data. Along with checking this data, the drive should also be tested. This is especially important onwith used drives with no prior history. | | | Many common drive problems include: | | * Heavy use (Likely to cause wear and tear failure) | | * High reallocated sector cont | | * Sectors pending reallocation | | * Hidden drive problems | | | === Why is it important to check this data before using a used hard drive? === | Since most drive failures are sudden or provide verywith little warning, the SMART data can provide a cluebe used to check the health of the drive may be failing soand evaluate it can be remappedfor remapping or replacedreplacement. | | In most cases, hard drive failures happen on drives that areif the drive is older or known to fail (Ex: Modern and 7200.11/7.01 and post 7200.11 SeagateSeagate drives). While these are in the majority, good manufacturers are also known to release low grade drives that do not last as long (Ex: WD Blue/Green). |
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