good freeware hard drive test tool for windows?

ZippyDan

Platinum Member
Sep 28, 2001
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i usually use the bootable DFT (drive fitness tools) by Hitachi to test all my hard drives, but unfortunately the computer running it is rendered useless during test time since it is some dos boot program

i like that it is relatively thorough and fast (i'd say 1 hour or less to test a 500gb hd) and it gives me a simple Good or Bad result (Green or Red) that i don't have to interpret

i need to test 10 drives in a row and i need to keep using my computer while the test is happening. is there any good freeware hard drive test tool for windows with similar characteristics? or is testing a drive while in windows just a bad idea?