GPT Partition and NTFS File System - NAS HD

[ronbo613]

I have an HGST Deskstar 4TB 7200rpm drive that is labeled as an NAS drive. Is there any reason why this drive would not accept a single GPT partition and NTFS file system so it could be used in a desktop or workstation environment? Would there be any reason that Windows 7 Pro 64 bit Disk Management would not be able to create a GPT partition on the drive?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

No reason.

 

[ronbo613]

No reason.

That's my assumption as well but I am having a heck of a time trying to get a partition to stick and get the drive formatted. I'm starting to think I got a bad drive.

I have an HGST Coolspin 4TB that I got a few months ago; no problems at all, but this Deskstar...

 

[dave_the_nerd]

That's my assumption as well but I am having a heck of a time trying to get a partition to stick and get the drive formatted. I'm starting to think I got a bad drive.

I have an HGST Coolspin 4TB that I got a few months ago; no problems at all, but this Deskstar...

Yeah, if the partition map is deleting itself, that doesn't sound good.

Did you do a bad block scan or are you just quick-formatting?

 

[ronbo613]

Yeah, if the partition map is deleting itself, that doesn't sound good.

Did you do a bad block scan or are you just quick-formatting?

I've tried just about everything because I hate going through the RMA routine.

When Windows couldn't partition and format the drive, I deleted the partition with gParted and managed to transfer some files to the drive. When I ran a defrag on it, it bluescreened my computer, which never happens. I might try cloning my current HGST 4TB drive to the new 4TB Deskstar, but I'm running out of patience.

I tried the HGST GPT Disk Manager, what a buggy piece of crap that is. Wasn't able to partition the drive and was tough to uninstall. Crystal Mark Info and WinDFT keep saying the drive is good, so I'll give it a little more rope. Windows chkdsk crashed when I ran it. No quick formatting.

I was pretty satisfied with the HGST Coolspin, it's a nice drive. But as all of us digital storage junkies know; disappointment is only one hard drive away.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I'm not a huge fan of the usual RMA process myself, but if you have to "waste" an hour or two of your life, it's probably better to spend that time processing an RMA that fighting a defective HDD.

 

[ronbo613]

I'm not a huge fan of the usual RMA process myself, but if you have to "waste" an hour or two of your life, it's probably better to spend that time processing an RMA that fighting a defective HDD.

You're right and it's been more than a couple hours. If it isn't working by tomorrow, back it goes.

Update: I sent the drive back to Newegg, it's defective. I wouldn't be surprised if the poor packaging was responsible for the problems. You would think Newegg could spare fifty cents worth of packing material to ensure a $160 hard drive would be delivered undamaged.