This hard drive used to work normally, but it has recently started accumulating more bad sectors. Its performance is also noticeably worse than the same system running from a 1 TB Windows drive. Is there any safe way to repair, isolate, or slow down the bad sectors, or should I consider the drive unreliable? I cannot easily buy a replacement right now, and I am concerned that a used or online drive might also be defective. I am also unsure whether there is a Linux tool that can deal with bad sectors.
4 Answers
You can use tools such as `badblocks` and SMART utilities to inspect the drive, but scanning does not repair physical damage. A destructive badblocks test can also put extra stress on a failing disk, so copy your data first. Even if a scan appears clean afterward, a drive that is gaining bad sectors should not be trusted for an operating system or important files.
If buying new is difficult, look for a reputable local computer recycler, refurbisher, or shop with a return policy. A used drive can be inexpensive, but it should be checked with SMART data and a full surface test before trusting it. Avoid purchases with no meaningful health information or return option.
A drive that is developing new bad sectors should be treated as failing. Modern hard drives automatically remap damaged sectors using reserved space, so visible bad sectors usually mean that process is running out or the surface is continuing to deteriorate. Back up anything important immediately, then replace the drive when you can. Do not use it as the only copy of your files.
Some people keep failing drives around by partitioning out areas near reported bad blocks, but that is only a temporary experiment and is not reliable protection. The drive heads and electronics can fail elsewhere, and the number of bad sectors may increase quickly. Use the disk only for disposable data, if at all, after making a verified backup.
That makes sense. I mainly wanted to know whether Mint had a way to detect or stop the problem before it affected my other drive.