Low level format tool

Check out the following two sites, they should have something that will fill your needs:

http://www.winfiles.com/   and /or  http://www.zdnet.com

Do you really need to low-level format?  I guess so, or you wouldn't be asking.  OK, the try SpinRite from Gibson Research at www.grc.com.

iF YOU HAD new Western digital HD, don't use any low level format utility. It can kill your disk and your varranty will be void. Use ZERO TEST option from DLGDIAG propgram, that you can find it in WD site.

Indeed, there are many reasons not to low level format (look here):

http://www.planetit.com/techcenters/docs/storage/expert/PIT20000419S0057

but I assume you know what you're doing.

Oh, scratch my Spinrite answer, you want free or shareware.

What kind of drives?

Western Digital drives:

http://www.wdc.com/service/ftp/drives.html

All low-level format programs are not the same. Goto the your hd manufactures web page and download the free low-level utility they specify for your hd.

The others are right- depends on HDD.

How about Debug included with DOS?

I like using GWScan to write Zeros to the HDD- should not hurt it at all- no matter what make/model.  Get it from: www.gateway.com. Then click the word "Search" in upper right corner. Type in: 7508504.exe and hit Enter. Click the link, then next page, click 7508504.exe to download.

If it is not a Western Digital drive, DO NOT use "Repair Drive"- that's only for WD drives. But you can safely use Write Zeros to any drive.

Comment accepted as answer