Fix old HDD via USB

I have had to do a fresh install on an older 20GB HDD, after issues with my master 80GB HDD with OS(XP)...a long story...see other threads.
But now due to slow speeds using programs I want to see if I can cure the failed 80GB HDD, and re-install OS.
I have a HDD caddy to be connected via USB, please recommend procedure/software to check it out….

 

You can grab Data Lifeguard from Western Digital, or find a similar app from your drive's maker.

 

I think you are assuming I need to resurrect HDD as it was.
I have removed data, and will re-format, and then re-install OS(XP). How do ensure has no errors etc.

 

I think you are assuming I need to resurrect HDD as it was.
I have removed data, and will re-format, and then re-install OS(XP). How do ensure it has no errors etc. and is upto the job?

 

If you have a Western Digital on augiedoggie's link there is a choice for Data Lifeguard Diagnostics. This program has a choice for Extended Test that will read all sectors on your HD and try to repair any errors. If this runs okay then format and install OS.

******
If you put your 80Gb in as a slave you can download the Windows version and install and run from the 20GB drive.

******

Don't expect miracles. If your HD is truly bad then errors will start reappearing within a week or two. Be careful with valuable data for a month or so. Non-Western Digital drives I'm not sure about similar software. I gave up on Maxtor a few years ago.

 

It is a Maxtor, can anyone tell me if they have similar diagnostic software?
Can I do what you said with that software, thru the USB connection I described?

 

I have used Seatools for Windows from Seagate, which I believe is suitable for Maxtor also, but it doesn't seem to work thru USB caddy, andy ideas?

 

This might be better than Seatools.
http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.j...toid=7add8b9c4a8ff010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD

I know Seagate and Maxtor are the same now, but who knows. I never trust a disk once it crashes. I would get a new one.

Good Luck!

Sorry, I just realized MaxBlast seems to be installation software only. You wanted diagnostic, so SeaTools is what you need. You could try Maxblast if you want to format
the drive and have no way of doing it.

E