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    500gb WD 3.5inch hdd wont format

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Espada, Aug 19, 2010.

  1. Espada

    Espada Notebook Evangelist

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    So my hdd wont format i tried putting it external doing a quick format doesnt format. then i would put it in an actual desktop and trying formating thru there with windows xp/7 to see if i can format it but nothing if anyone gives me a program list to try i have tried spinright didnt work. I might just have to throw this one away if it doesnt work. Dont have anything important so anything that destroys files no worry and any program that is destructive will be fine if it fixes it then its fixed if not then its alright.
     
  2. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    What do you see when you look in Computer Management > Disk Management?
     
  3. Espada

    Espada Notebook Evangelist

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    it shows
    ( E : )
    465.76GB RAW
    Healthy(active,Primary Partition)

    edit: when trying to format says the format did not complete.
     
  4. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Have you tried deleting the partition first?
     
  5. Espada

    Espada Notebook Evangelist

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    right now im trying different partitions. differnt sizes right now when i put 232gb and 390gb partition works and the first partition doesnt format but the second part does ima see if i can partition most of it and lose like 10 gb. 2nd part always formats the first part doesnt format.
     
  6. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Sounds like it's defective. If you can RMA it that might be a good idea.
     
  7. H.A.L. 9000

    H.A.L. 9000 Occam's Chainsaw

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    I agree with Phil. Bad sectors or corrupted firmware perhaps? RMA it!
     
  8. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    You've run Windows' built-in diagnostic, right? It should tell you something.
     
  9. Espada

    Espada Notebook Evangelist

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    it doesnt say anything but now since i partitioned it it wont allow sharing. i think my hdd has officially died.
     
  10. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    It's probably hosed, but before you send it away, it might be worth working the drive over a little more.

    666 has a good guide for how to do this. While somewhat debatable, it may force your problem to the surface at least. I'd run the zero fill twice if you have the time.