Author Topic: question for HDD experts (Read 309 times)

Nashwan · « **on:** April 05, 2004, 06:29:43 PM »

Got a write error in windows XP earlier, saying the disk is proably full, although it was showing 5GB or so of free space. Decided to run a full disk check (at reboot) and it's finding:

"Windows replaced bad clusters in file" followed by path to Outlook dbx files.

I've always thought bad clusters were the same as bad sectors, ie a physical disk problem, but with the scan 61% through, it's found 12 "bad clusters in file" and they're all in Outlook Express DBX files. (And spread out as well, with the first error at 4%, the latest at 60% or so)

That suggests to me that it's simple file corruption, rather than a physical problem, but a Google search has found conflicting info. Anyone know for sure wether "bad clusters in file" means a physical disk error or not?

Thanks for any help.

Estes · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2004, 07:48:12 PM »

I don't know **** about them either, but have you ran a hard drive fitness test?

I have a western digital and it comes with a CD to do such.

Just a suggestion.

Ghosth · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2004, 08:29:58 AM »

Bad cluster is more likely a crosslinked file.

IE 2 files trying to share the same space.

Scandisk, then defrag should fix it.

If not then it is a physical disk problem

Nashwan · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2004, 06:32:44 PM »

Thanks for the advice. I think it's simple file corruption, and scandisk cetainly claims to have fixed it, but the list of errors was so long it didn't even manage to write them all into the log.

I've replaced the drive as a precaution. i'dnever be really happy with it now just in case.

Next stage is to test the drive with Maxtor's software to see if it's faulty, and either use itin another pc or rma it.

Ghosth · « **Reply #4 on:** April 08, 2004, 07:44:44 AM »

That many huh, that is NOT a good sign IMO.

Make sure you format & partition it before doing anything.

qts · « **Reply #5 on:** April 09, 2004, 11:45:13 AM »

Which check did you run? Did you just run the FAT/MFT check or did you run the full secotor check? In the former case I agree that it's likely to be simple corruption, though you should run a full virus check; in the latter I suggest you change your HDD ASAP.