Testing Hard Drive.

[snoleopard]

Does anyone know somewhere on the web where I can test my hard drive? It's a Western Digital, and I went to their web site, but cannot find anywhere on the site to do any test of my HD. It makes a kind of grinding noise when I start the computer sometimes, and I know that doesn't mean anything good. I know there are tests to see if it is failing, but I'd like a site that's reputable, that someone here has used before. I did google 'hard drive test' but most are downloads that I'd have to install first, and I'd like to just test it over the web.

[Defiant]

Why not use scandisk?

(Though before I would do testing, I'd copy any vital stuff off first, since testing could strain the drive)

[Rip]

I use the Ultimate Boot CD for such things.
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ It has all the manufaturer drive fitness programs, not to mention several other handy utilities.

They just came out with a Windows Ultimate Bott CD recently. It is harder to create however.

[snoleopard]

Thanks, will try both.

[Faldarian]

http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp?cxml=n

Just select your drive from the list and download their DLG tools to test it. I haven't seen them since I left the company, but they used to be a decent basic testing tool.

[snoleopard]

Thanks Faldarian, I'll give that a try also.