Windows XP chkdsk replacement

[vern]

I posted this in the OS section some time ago with no replys, so I might as well try here.

I was looking for a Windows XP chkdsk replacement. I have a hard disk that works fine, but somehow an OS can't boot from it and it can't be formatted. I'm guessing the beginning of the drive is fubar'ed. Any suggestions?

 

[dreamliner77]

How have you tried formatting?

Have you tried using the manufacturer's utilities?

 

[vern]

How have you tried formatting?

Have you tried using the manufacturer's utilities?

Yes. Formatting stalls. 🙁

Is there a Maxtor utility that does check physically without destroying data in the drive?

 

[ming]

Stupid question, but useful.
Are you using NTFS or FAT32 on that particular drive/partition?

 

[vern]

Stupid question, but useful.
Are you using NTFS or FAT32 on that particular drive/partition?

NTFS.

BTW ... I can quick format the drive ... but not full format it.

 

[ming]

I think the only way to be sure that your drive will be fully functional will be to FDisk it and start from scratch. I, myself, wouldn't go through the hassle of painstaking checks and time-wasting activities unless there is no way of backing up important data.