What's a good HDD checker for external HDDs?

[ANTant]

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.
( )

 

[Rod Speed]

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.

 

[Arno Wagner]

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

 

[ANTant]

(e-mail address removed) wrote:

None that do what SpinRite claims to do.
Hmmph.

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

What do you mean by bridge? Architecture?

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.

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?

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.
( )

 

[ANTant]

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.

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/M...Products/External Hard Drives/OneTouch Family
.... 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.
( )

 

[Rod Speed]

(e-mail address removed) wrote

What do you mean by bridge?

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

Architecture?
Nope.

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.

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.

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

Cant remember, try it and see.

 

[mike]

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

 

[Arno Wagner]

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/M...Products/External Hard Drives/OneTouch Family
... 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

 

[Arno Wagner]

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

 

[Al Dykes]

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.

 

[ANTant]

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

Yeah, I see a lot of them failing at my workplace. Looks like the one I
have is the newest victim. Do all Maxtor HDDs fail this easily or just
general external HDDs including the ones with enclosures for custom
HDDs?
--
[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.
( )

 

[Budd]

It does not.

You don't even know what 'he wants'.

I checked recently

And how exactly did you check?

because someone claimed these tools could do SMART over USB.

He doesn't want to.

They can not.

That's what you say. Your word against theirs.

 

[Arno Wagner]

Previously (e-mail address removed) wrote: [...]

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/M...Products/External Hard Drives/OneTouch Family
... 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.

Yeah, I see a lot of them failing at my workplace. Looks like the one I
have is the newest victim. Do all Maxtor HDDs fail this easily or just
general external HDDs including the ones with enclosures for custom
HDDs?

Maxtor HDDs are reliable if cooled well. For some reason the people
designing these enclosures at Maxtor do not know that or do not care
and the disks run hot and die early. It is really a systematic poblem.

I see two options: Either gross incompetence or (criminal) intent
with the idea that people will buy a new one possibly from Maxtor
if the old one fails.

Either way: Stay away from Maxtor external drives. They are known to
be bad. BTW, others are not that much better. The only reliable
solution is to assemble one your self and either use a disk that needs
little cooling (I made good experiences with Samsung, but only for low
to moderate loads. 2.5" drives generally need a lot less cooling than
3.5" ones.) or have good airflow in the enclosure. Sad state of
affairs, but true.

Arno

 

[Al Dykes]

Previously (e-mail address removed) wrote: [...]
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/M...Products/External Hard Drives/OneTouch Family
... 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.

Yeah, I see a lot of them failing at my workplace. Looks like the one I
have is the newest victim. Do all Maxtor HDDs fail this easily or just
general external HDDs including the ones with enclosures for custom
HDDs?

Maxtor HDDs are reliable if cooled well. For some reason the people
designing these enclosures at Maxtor do not know that or do not care
and the disks run hot and die early. It is really a systematic poblem.

I see two options: Either gross incompetence or (criminal) intent
with the idea that people will buy a new one possibly from Maxtor
if the old one fails.

A third; only power the drive up when doing a backup ?

It won't get very hot, or for lots of hours.

 

[Paul Rubin]

A third; only power the drive up when doing a backup ?
It won't get very hot, or for lots of hours.

Backups involve having the drive very active for longish periods.
That's what makes drives get hot, from what I can tell. I have a 3.5"
160gb Seagate 7200.x drive (not sure of exact model) in a generic usb2
enclosure with a tiny fan. It runs cool when idling or slightly
active even when I run it overnight. But doing a backup, it's quite
warm after 10 minutes or so, and the backup takes much longer than
that.

 

[Arno Wagner]

Previously (e-mail address removed) wrote: [...]
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/M...Products/External Hard Drives/OneTouch Family
... 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.

Yeah, I see a lot of them failing at my workplace. Looks like the one I
have is the newest victim. Do all Maxtor HDDs fail this easily or just
general external HDDs including the ones with enclosures for custom
HDDs?

Maxtor HDDs are reliable if cooled well. For some reason the people
designing these enclosures at Maxtor do not know that or do not care
and the disks run hot and die early. It is really a systematic poblem.

I see two options: Either gross incompetence or (criminal) intent
with the idea that people will buy a new one possibly from Maxtor
if the old one fails.

A third; only power the drive up when doing a backup ?

It won't get very hot, or for lots of hours.

Well, yes. Would be sort of a ''dirty'' patch, but should work.

Arno

 

[Arno Wagner]

Backups involve having the drive very active for longish periods.
That's what makes drives get hot, from what I can tell. I have a 3.5"
160gb Seagate 7200.x drive (not sure of exact model) in a generic usb2
enclosure with a tiny fan. It runs cool when idling or slightly
active even when I run it overnight. But doing a backup, it's quite
warm after 10 minutes or so, and the backup takes much longer than
that.

For short backups, it should be ok. For any longer activity, only
adequate cooling will work. Not that Seagates or Samsungs are quite
as sensitive to heat, but hot HDD are never good.

Arno

 

[Folkert Rienstra]

Like it ever did something else.

ONly the disk itself can do more via SMART.

Interesting.

Nope, not when it comes from the babblebot.

I'll bet it does if it can be seen in DOS. You need USB with Int13 support.
The same goes for Bart's Disktool. That will also run on Win9x but still needs
Int13 support. If you have Win9x check if the USB driver has Int13 support.

No it doesn't.

 

[Rod Speed]

Yeah, I see a lot of them failing at my workplace. Looks like the
one I have is the newest victim. Do all Maxtor HDDs fail this easily

Nope, they arent too bad when adequately cooled.

or just general external HDDs

Yes, that appears to be the problem, the design of the
case means that the drives dont get adequately cooled.

including the ones with enclosures for custom HDDs?

Not sure what this is about, what 'custom HDDs' ?

 

[Rod Speed]

Like it ever did something else.

Corse it did/does. It takes a hell of a lot longer with a drive which
has marginal sectors than a conventional surface scan does.

I'll bet it does if it can be seen in DOS.

Bet it doesnt.

You need USB with Int13 support.

You dont know that it even uses that.

The same goes for Bart's Disktool. That will also run on Win9x but still needs
Int13 support. If you have Win9x check if the USB driver has Int13 support.

No it doesn't.

Yes it does, most obviously with access to the SMART data.