Is the diagnostic utility part of the OS installation, or do I need to get it from another source?
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Device has a bad block
I'm repeatedly receiving the following error in my Event Viewer:
The device, \Device\Harddisk0\D, has a bad block.
Event ID: 7
I have hundreds of these events in my event viewer. Please provide some suggestions as well as links to diagnostic tools etc. Its a Dell box running XP Professional.
Thanks in advance.
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Answers
The utility you want is CHKDSK - back up your data first.
Chkdisk will do its best to dignise the error. If you run it with the /f option it will attempt to fix it. If its just a soft error an isolated problem you might be ok for a while but don't count on it.
Run chkdisk periodically and keep an eye on the number of bad sectors. If its a low number and stable (ideally 0) then the disk may be ok. if the number of bad sector starts increasing then you disk is departing this life.
The disk may of course just suddenly fail - so back it up now before its too late
Back up your documents to a usb flash, usb disk, cd/dvd or network share. You can do this by just copying the files. To keep all of your setting/favourites etc use the FSTW
see http://www.microsoft.com/w
and http://www.microsoft.com/t
I would use the Manufacturer's diagnostic utility for the Hard Drive instead of a chkdsk. If you run teh diagnostic from the mfgr, you might be able to get the error codes needed for an RMA return, if it could be a possible warranty issue.
Also, I believe on the Dell, hit F12 at bootup, and select Diagnostics. You should be able to utilize that for the needed error codes that Dell Support will require.
Dell also has some free diagnostics at their web site (www.dell.com).
You can log in and create an account, then use their on-line apps to examine all the devices on your computer.
You will need the 'Service Tag' number from a lable somewhere on your Dell.
Vic
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by: johnb6767Posted on 2007-02-27 at 12:02:54ID: 18619899
I would first, and foermost get any important data off of the HDD. Then run the MFGR. diagnostic utility. Basically, looks like your HDD is crasshing....