Recently we explained how to analyze disk space with WizTree and identify the most demanding programs and files. Now, what can we do when there is a suspicion of failure? The SMART system immediately reports any incident or unusual behavior, but if you feel you need to verify sectors on your hard drive or solid state drive, you can use Hard Disk Validator, a tool that is not only free but also portable and open source.
Many times, failures are subtle, almost imperceptible. Just an isolated read or write error. Checking the health of your drives is as simple as downloading a program and double-clicking, but there may be additional background errors—weak sectors that are about to give up. That raises the question: How do you verify hard drive sectors? How can you know if it's necessary to mark and isolate those points to avoid software conflicts and buy time? The answer to both questions is Hard Disk Validator.
How to Verify Hard Drive Sectors with Hard Disk Validator
Hard Disk Validator has four working modes. The first and safest is "Read", which reads the drive surface from start to finish to detect damaged sectors. The second is "Read + Wipe Damaged + Read", which adds write and second-read operations on each damaged sector. The sector's original information will be lost, but there is a remote possibility of restoring its functioning.
The other two modes are more dangerous, so to speak: "Read + Write + Verify + Restore" reads the sectors, writes a special pattern on them, verifies that the pattern is correct, and then restores the original information. Finally, "Write + Verify" is equivalent to a purge and verification of the drive. If you want to erase a complete disk or SSD (whether to sell, lend, or transfer to another computer), this will serve you. Its log system works with a copy mechanism: Click the Copy Log button, open Notepad, and paste the content to view it.
From a certain point of view, Hard Disk Validator absorbs the Error Scan and Zero Fill functions of the classic HD Tune, and offers greater flexibility thanks to its portability and open source profile. Its latest update was published recently, and it comes in two versions: one for .NET Framework 2.0 (ideal for pre-Windows 7 editions) and another in 4.0. Download a copy!
Official site and download: Click here.
