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One bad sector on a laptop hard disk... time to replace?

A

AtlantaBob

Golden Member
The title should say it all. Everest reports one bad sector from the SMART Data on a Hitachi DK23CA-20 in a Compaq 700. Other possible issues with the disk in this thread. However, it hasn't really gotten any responses, so I figured I try with a new one.

Thanks
 
A bad sector is probably the beginning of the end. I guess I'd replace the disk, depending on the criticality of having that laptop up and running all of the time.

However, if you have another rig to back your data up to, you could continue to use the laptop in its present state until the disk really gives up - and replace it then. There *are* chances that the disk may last a while.

Given the comments you posted in the other thread: Although I dont have answers as to why the load/unload cycles are ridiculously high, I'd say the disk is setting itself up for a drop. In my experience, HDDs that churn out weird numbers or show up as disks with different capacities / models are about to fail. You could try subjecting it to a couple of stress tests after backing up your data to see how it holds up.

If you do get around to replacing the disk, I'd suggest you buy a 5400 rpm Seagate Momentus or Hitachi - 5400 rpm is the sweet spot between the more expensive 7k60 series and the measly 4200 rpm disks, and deliver performance close to that of a 7200 in a notebook.
 
Originally posted by: airfoil
If you do get around to replacing the disk, I'd suggest you buy a 5400 rpm Seagate Momentus or Hitachi - 5400 rpm is the sweet spot between the more expensive 7k60 series and the measly 4200 rpm disks, and deliver performance close to that of a 7200 in a notebook.
Click to expand...

Agree with what you say, but would add one more 5400 RPM drive to the mix. I have a 5400, 80 GB Seagate Momentus - a good drive, but I replaced it with a better one. The Toshiba 80 GB 5400 RPM. Reason? 16 MB cache vs. 8 . The Toshiba really runs well in my lappie, and the Seagate is now my back/reserve drive.
 
Thanks, guys! Much appreciated. I've got another computer to back it up to, but the data on it--drafts of papers for grad school and such--are important enough that I doubt I'll risk running it too long. Any one have any ideas if the Compaq restore disk will work with a new Hard Drive? Or will I have to go out and get another copy of Windows? If that's the case, I might just look at a new low-end Dell...
 
The restore disc should work just fine, since its just the HDD you're changing.

If you do decide to buy a Dell, wait until Dell releases its next $750 off a $1499 purchase.
 
one bad sector can mean that it will only get worse in the future, it's like a disease.
The only cure is to RMA it or buy a new one if you are out of warranty.

Good luck thought.

 
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