How to test a hard drive for failures

Software solutions

Below is a listing of a software programs available that are designed to test your computer's hard drive for errors.

· ScanDisk - Users running Microsoft Windows who're still able to get into Windows can utilize the already installed disk checking tool ScanDisk to find and repair any errors on their hard drive.

· Chkdsk - Another Windows command line utility to test the hard drive. If you're unable to boot into Windows, boot from the Windows CD, enter the Recovery Console, and run chkdsk /f to fix errors.

· TestDisk - Fantastic, free, and open-source utility to test and fix different hard drive errors.