This test checks the ability of the read/write heads to locate any part of the hard disk. This action by a read/write head is called a seek. During this test, each head seeks each cylinder of the disk in sequence, starting from the center.
Select option 1 from the menu to start this test.
The program displays the number of each cylinder it finds. For example, with a hard disk, the first message you see is:
Current cylinder is nnn
The cylinder number counts down to 0.
The seek is performed by the read/write heads simultaneously, so you see the cylinder numbers only once. If no errors occur, the menu reappears.
Write, read check
This check tests the ability of the hard disk drive to read and write data. The test writes to and reads from each sector of the innermost cylinder of the disk, using each head.
Note: This test destroys all data on the innermost cylinder of the selected hard disk drive. This cylinder is reserved for diagnostics, and is never used for storage by
Select option 2 from the menu to start this test. You see these messages:
The data on the highest physical cylinder may be destroyed by this check.
Enter Y to start this check. Enter N to return to the menu.
Press Y and then Enter to continue with the test.
You do not see a cylinder count during the test. If no errors occur, the program returns to the menu.
If an error occurs, make a note of the code and message. Then use the Non - destructive surface analysis (option 4 on the HARD DISK FORMAT MENU) to check the condition of the hard disk.
Diagnostics |