Is my HDD dying?

[DTAT]

I have a 320GB sataII hard drive of Western Digital. Win7 keeps telling me that my hdd has errors but after i ran error checking utility, no errors were found. My pc runs fine but sometimes has a sudden shutdown without BSOD. So should i ignore that error reporting? Thank you for reading

Spoiler

[Jetster]

Its probably getting SMART errors. Run HDtune and check it. Just run the free version its the second one down on there web site I believe. It will tell you what going on

[95Viper]

Try changing the SATA cable.

Also, in the second picture, run that trouble shooter again.
Click on the blue text ("View Detailed Information") at the bottom of the info screen, in the troubleshooter, and post a screen shot of the info.

Also, check your event viewer, in the adminstrative tools, to see what errors and warnings are being logged.


Plus, Download and run Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows

Run the "Quick Test" to see if it finds any errors. Check the SMART data to see if it has any problems.
If you have a while, you can run the extended test, but it may take a while for it to finish.

Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows Instructions:

Spoiler

1. Download the Windows Data Lifeguard Diagnostics, WinDlg_122.zip
2. Extract and run the program, WinDlg.exe. If running Windows Vista, you will need to Right-Click on the WinDlg.exe file and choose to Run As Administrator.
Read and accept the license agreement to continue.
3. On the main program screen, there are two windows. In the top window, you will see the drives in your system, that are available for testing. The model number, serial number, and capacity of each drive will be displayed. In the bottom window, the partition information for the selected drive will be displayed.
4. Highlight the drive and select the icon on the top row to test or run SMART status.
5. The DLGDIAG - Select an Option window appears.
You will see the following options:
QUICK TEST - performs SMART drive quick self-test to gather and verify the Data Lifeguard information contained on the drive.
EXTENDED TEST - performs a Full Media Scan to detect bad sectors. Test may take several hours to complete depending on the size of the drive.
WRITE ZEROS - writes zeros to the drive with options of Full Erase and Quick Erase. File system and data will be lost. <<<< Do not run this, unless you want to wipe the drive!
VIEW TEST RESULT - displays the latest test results.
6. Select the test you wish to perform and click the Start button.
7. When the test completes, you will be notified with a pass/fail message. Click the Close button

[Sasqui]

Originally Posted by 95Viper

Plus, Download and run Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows

+1, that is the first thing you should do after checking cables.

[DTAT]

Originally Posted by 95Viper

Try changing the SATA cable.

I've changed the sata cable and used different sata port onboard. It didn't work

Here are some screen shots you asked

Spoiler

It gives me a green checked on everything

Originally Posted by Jetster

Its probably getting SMART errors. Run HDtune and check it. Just run the free version its the second one down on there web site I believe. It will tell you what going on

I just ran error scan. Here is the result

Spoiler

[TheMailMan78]

Ok I'm gonna give these directions once.

1. Download the diagnostic tool from Western Digital as they are the manufacturer of your HD.
2. Run all tests including the long and advance test.
3. (A) If it comes back ok then its not the Drive and you have other issues. (B) If it fails then the drive is bad. RMA or replace. One option you have is to pull the drive and write zeros. This can fix bad allocations.

Running all kinds of diagnostic software will tell you nothing. Each HD vendor uses different processes for their HD. Firmware or even the PCB. Just because HDtune or some other random diagnostic program gives you an error or a clean slate means very little. ALWAYS go to the mfg for the right tool.

[95Viper]

Originally Posted by DTAT

I've changed the sata cable and used different sata port onboard. It didn't work

Here are some screen shots you asked

Spoiler

http://np1.upanh.com/b1.s29.d1/84fe8....untitled3.jpg

http://np4.upanh.com/b3.s29.d1/ad6c3....untitled4.jpg

It gives me a green checked on everything

Did you run the tests?
Or, just look at the SMART data?

You need to run the tests, if you did not.
And, in the future, before taking a screen shot... expand the window, so we can see all the info.
Thanks.

[DTAT]

Originally Posted by 95Viper

Did you run the tests?
Or, just look at the SMART data?

You need to run the tests, if you did not.
And, in the future, before taking a screen shot... expand the window, so we can see all the info.
Thanks.

Oh sorry, my fault. I just ran the extended test from WD data lifeguard. The result said that my hdd passed

Spoiler

[95Viper]

Well, it seems that your SATA cable & hard drive are in good order.
So, just my opinion, I would suspect memory, mis-behaving drivers, running software conflict, or a virus/trojan/etc.

Originally Posted by 95Viper

Also, check your event viewer, in the adminstrative tools, to see what errors and warnings are being logged.

^You need to do this^

I know it is an overwhelming process, if you have never done it before, but it may help lead you to a misbehaving driver, if there is one.

Also, run memtest86 from a cd or usb stick, for at least a few interations, not just one.
Download for the bootable iso version
Download for the Auto-installer for USB Key (Win 9x/2k/xp/7)

Which, antivirus do you use?
You may wish to un-install it and try a different one.
Try Microsoft's, it is decent and fine while you test. Microsoft Security Center
And, run a full scan while it is on there.

Update your drivers to the latest versions.
Especially, drivers for any I/O functions. (I/O controllers, lan drivers, wireless drivers, audio drivers, mouse and keyboard drivers, video, etc.)

Check in your Device manager to see if there are any devices with a problem. (yellow bang triangle)

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7
And, open an administrative command prompt(window) and type this "sfc /scannow" (without the quotes & put a space between the letter "c" and "/"), then hit enter. Let it scan for any files that are corrupt or bad.
If it finds none, great, just type "exit" (without the quotes) and hit enter.
If it does find any, let it repair them or follow the instructions it gives.

[TheMailMan78]

Originally Posted by 95Viper

Well, it seems that your SATA cable & hard drive are in good order.
So, just my opinion, I would suspect memory, mis-behaving drivers, running software conflict, or a virus/trojan/etc.



^You need to do this^

I know it is an overwhelming process, if you have never done it before, but it may help lead you to a misbehaving driver, if there is one.

Also, run memtest86 from a cd or usb stick, for at least a few interations, not just one.
Download for the bootable iso version
Download for the Auto-installer for USB Key (Win 9x/2k/xp/7)

Which, antivirus do you use?
You may wish to un-install it and try a different one.
Try Microsoft's, it is decent and fine while you test. Microsoft Security Center
And, run a full scan while it is on there.

Update your drivers to the latest versions.
Especially, drivers for any I/O functions. (I/O controllers, lan drivers, wireless drivers, audio drivers, mouse and keyboard drivers, video, etc.)

Check in your Device manager to see if there are any devices with a problem. (yellow bang triangle)

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7
And, open an administrative command prompt(window) and type this "sfc /scannow" (without the quotes & put a space between the letter "c" and "/"), then hit enter. Let it scan for any files that are corrupt or bad.
If it finds none, great, just type "exit" (without the quotes) and hit enter.
If it does find any, let it repair them or follow the instructions it gives.

Viper speaks the truth.

If WD tool says its good then chances are its good man. You have other issues and Viper is giving you good advice for sure.

[FordGT90Concept]

Originally Posted by DTAT

i ran error checking utility, no errors were found.

Does that mean Scan Disk? Because you really need to run Scan Disk (requires restart when scaning the partition the OS is installed on). It sounds like the drive has NTFS errors and Scan Disk can fix those.

[DTAT]

Originally Posted by FordGT90Concept

Does that mean Scan Disk? Because you really need to run Scan Disk (requires restart when scaning the partition the OS is installed on). It sounds like the drive has NTFS errors and Scan Disk can fix those.

Yes it is. I only checked my 2nd partition which has 252GB/320BGB in capacity. But i think using data lifeguard from WD to check is enough

@To 95viper

Under device manager i found this:

Spoiler

After running "sfc /scannow" the cmd said: "window resource protection did not find any integrity violations"


I'm using Norton Internet security 2012. A full system scan tells me i have some tracking cookies but i've deleted them already.


In the event viewer, i found error: vds basic provider, kernel event tracing, apps error, dhcp client,.... and warnings: kernel pnp, dns client events, search, wlan autoconfig, browser.


About the memtest86, do i need to run every test they have? Can i run window memory diagnostic instead?

***Update: System Maintance haven't reported any disk error so far

[95Viper]

Originally Posted by DTAT

After running "sfc /scannow" the cmd said: "window resource protection did not find any integrity violations"

That is good.

Originally Posted by DTAT

I'm using Norton Internet security 2012. A full system scan tells me i have some tracking cookies but i've deleted them already.

I am not fond of Norton, myself, but, at least you have an A/V.

Originally Posted by DTAT

In the event viewer, i found error: vds basic provider, kernel event tracing, apps error, dhcp client,.... and warnings: kernel pnp, dns client events, search, wlan autoconfig, browser.

You have a lot of errors and warnings there, you may wish to investigate them further.

But, the one that concerns me is the VDS basic provider.
Are you using VMware, or any kind of optical burner software that uses a SPTD driver?
If so, you may want to update it to the latest, they made some fixes in it.
SPTD for Windows XP/2003/Vista/Windows 7 < be sure to download the correct version
When you run the installer it will tell you if you have it on your system, if it says it is not on your system, just cancel the install.
If it is on your system then update it.
Also, if it causes trouble then you can follow the FAQ on this page to test.

Originally Posted by DTAT

About the memtest86, do i need to run every test they have? Can i run window memory diagnostic instead?

Memtest86 is a little more thorough, in my opinion, but you run which ever you want to.

Originally Posted by DTAT

***Update: System Maintance haven't reported any disk error so far

That is good. However, if the problem returns you need to read through this thread and try the advice offered, not just pick and choose.
All the advice was given for a reason, such as update your drivers.

As for that "unknown device" in your device manager.
You might want to first try looking through "device manager" and see if you are missing any devices. It may not be read right by windows or it could be just needing the correct driver to be installed.

Try testing your hubs, card readers, usb devices, printer, scanner, etc.

Well, good-luck, hope the problem is gone.