'Low-Level' Hard Disk Format?

Question

I believe my hard drive has developed some bad sectors. I understand that a low-level format will mark the bad spots to prevent them from being used, but I don't know if a normal format will do this. Does anyone out there know how to perform a low-level format on the Inspiron 8600?

mattcowger · Answer

DO NOT do a low level format on a modern drive. The drive will take care of most bad sectors on its own, and software like scandisk will do the rest (if you choose a deep scan). It is possible to PERMANENTLY damage a modern drive by low level formatting it. There is a reason none of the hard drive makers make a tool to do this anymore....

Dale Batson · Answer

Thanks Matt. I haven't performed a low-level format in years and I guess that's why. I really need to get this hard drive replaced. I shouldn't be having problems after only four months. I opened a problem ticket with Dell Support, but they seem slow in responding and not very insightful when it comes to offering advise. I told them all about my problem and how the memory diagnostics passed, but the hard drive diagnostics failed, but their suggestion was to re-seat the RAM.

Infinite_Trial · Answer

what part of the hdd test did it failed and what is the exact message?

Dale Batson · Answer

Dell Extended Test Diagnotics (IDE Disk Read Test):

Error Code 0F00:0244 Msg: Block 1135625:
Uncorrectable data error or media is write protected. (twice)

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Dell Extended Test Diagnotics (IDE Disk Verify Test):

Error Code 0F00:1A44 Msg: Block 1135625:
Uncorrectable data error or media is write protected. (twice)

Message Edited by Dale Batson on 04-11-2004 08:25 PM

DELL-Corey · Answer

Dale Batson, If your HDD fails diagnostics, your drive will, indeed, need to be replaced.

Ed C · Answer

If this unit is still in/under warranty call Dell and tell them to send you a NEW HDD. Of course you will have to jump through all the hoops first but don't let the person go with a reseat the RAM answer.

doug_k · Answer

We should draw a distinction between Low-level-formats and Zero-fills. In theory, the utilities you get from your drive manufacturer don't really do LLFs anymore, just zero-fills. Zero fills are nice for completely wiping the heck out of a HD for privacy, security or peace of mind. They can insure there's no MBR problems or boot sector viruses, etc.

On the other hand, some may be actually doing LLFs. I had some quantum drives some years back that overheated to the point of failure, and refused to be formatted or do much of anything. I almost threw them out, but LLFing brought them back. In theory, the platters or mechanical elements had warped just enough under the heat that that the drive was no longer writing to the surface correctly, and ended up destroying the [low level] formatting.

I'm not sure how a LLF will deal with bad sectors- maybe that depends on whether the bad sector is caused by a formatting error or actual surface damage.

In any rate, I've done dozens of "LLFs" with no ill results.

Storage, Drives & Media

"Low-Level" Hard Disk Format?

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