The best computer programs to check and follow the status of an HDD or SSD hard drive
Every computer that has a hard drive to store data is a component that can never be excluded from hardware components. In general, once this disk is installed in the device, whether after assembling the computer or buying a laptop, we will not bother to monitor it for years, as long as it works and meets your requirements while working. For example, the Western Digital has a 160GB hard drive that is 10 years old and still works well today.
However, this is not always the case. From time to time, you should check the condition of your hard drive so that you can back up important data as soon as possible before it is too late, and your files are lost as a result of its condition deteriorating. To help you with this, let's highlight in this article some of the "analyze" and hard status tracking tools that you can try.
The first program: Hard Disk Sentinel
Hard Disk Sentinel is one of the distinguished programs that contain all the features required to check the status of the hard drive and take a detailed idea of it. The program not only tests hard disks, but also gives you the right tools and options for better management and quick backups of important data.
But when it comes to testing a hard drive, the program can test internal components such as headers and cylinders to see what might cause noise when the computer is turned on. It also allows you to look at the information collected from S.M.A.R.T. technology so that you know about errors and problems that may cause the loss of your files, for example, bad sectors. Once the program is running, it gives you an idea of the level of performance and the number of times the hard drive was run and estimate the remaining time of its life... Etcetera.
It is a very cool program, and you should use it without hesitation. But keep in mind that the program is free for home use, there are other versions that cost $ 20 for the basic version, and $ 30 for the professional version that will allow you to access all the features of the program.
Program II: HD Tune
HD Tune is a light but also outstanding program, as it has a very simple user interface and its size will not take up space from the hard drive, making it ideal for those without technical knowledge. In general, the program allows you to perform extensive tests on the hard drive to discover the problems it suffers from and give you an idea of its condition, and perhaps the reason for its spread is its ability to identify the damaged sectors in the hard drive and determine their exact location so that you can treat them programmatically.
Besides, it provides you with a quick way to view the information collected by S.M.A.R.T. technology, which is the basic data on the performance of the hard disk such as the number of runs, the total size of the type... and so on. In addition, you can make a Benchmark to measure the performance and speed of the hard drive and know the maximum temperature that can be reached while working on the computer.
All this information you can harvest from a single window via this program. But as for the free version, it is limited in terms of features. The full version, which costs $35, gives access to all supported features. In any case, you can find a complete comparison between the free and full versions on the download page.
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Program III: CrystalDiskInfo
CrystalDiskInfo is a completely free, self-definable program that is used by almost anyone who wants to know superficial information about the hard drive and its condition without getting into too many complex and incomprehensible terms. The design of the program is clean and simple, as soon as it is run, it will provide you with a detailed report on the status of the hard drive, which is the data collected through S.M.A.R.T technology, whether the hard drive is of the SSD or HDD type.
Apart from the information it displays on the home page, you can open the program's settings until you reach the features it supports, such as alerting you if the maximum temperature is exceeded and alerting you if bad sectors are detected.
If you want to make things simpler, you can configure it to send you a detailed report to your email address where you can detect problems found in the last scan. As we have indicated, the program is completely free and works on all versions of Windows efficiently.
Fourth program: Macrorit Disk Scanner
Macrorit Disk Scanner is a simple and portable program specially designed to scan and find bad sectors in hard drives. The best thing about this program is that it not only identifies bad sectors and marks them in red, but it also gives you a detailed and easy-to-understand log file about all the good and damaged sectors that were found after the scan.
The software supports a wide range of hard drive types and configurations. So, if you're looking for a simple program that scans the hard drive to find a private pad, this one would be perfect.
But you should keep in mind that it comes in a free and paid format, as the latter costs you $20 and gives you log reports and other useful features. But the free version - although limited - will do the job without objections.
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Program V: HDDScan
HDDScan is a comprehensive tool to easily test your hard drive and know its condition to decide whether you need to buy a new hard drive or not. The program supports a variety of hard disk types and can also perform an extended set of tests. These tests include, but are not limited to, "linear verification" which helps determine whether your disk needs an upgrade to save your data, has repairable errors, or is in perfect shape.
Of course, the program also has the ability to read and analyze S.M.A.R.T. data for advanced users who know what they are doing, the program allows you to change the numerical factor of the hard drive. The program's interface is not complicated at all, but its tools are divided into three sections to facilitate access to the action to be done to check the hardware.
So, if you're looking for a simple but feature-rich program that can find all the possible flaws in your hard drive, try HDDScan. After all, it is free and portable.