How to Test the Server’s Hard Disks

To test the server’s hard disks, follow these steps:

1. From the Pc-Check main menu, choose Advanced Diagnostics Tests.
2. From the Advanced Tests Diagnostics menu, choose Hard Disks.
3. From the Select Drive menu, choose the hard disk you want to test.

   The Hard Disk Diagnostics window opens, showing both the information for the hard disk you have selected and the Hard Disk Tests menu.

   The Hard Disk Tests menu displays the following options:

   • Select Drive

   • Test Settings

   • Read Test

   • Read Verify Test

   • Non-Destructive Write Test

   • Destructive Write Test

   • Mechanics Stress Test

   • Internal Cache Test

   • View Error Log

   • Utilities Menu

   • Exit

   Two types of tests are provided:

   • Media tests– Used to test the media associated with the hard disk drive hardware, such as the physical disk. Media testing options include the Read Test, the Read Verify Test, the Non-Destructive Write Test, and the Destructive Write Test.

     ---

     Caution - Running the Destructive Write Test destroys any data that is on the disk.

     ---

   • Device tests– Used to test non-media-related devices associated with the hard disk drive hardware, such as the head and internal cache. Device testing options include the Mechanics Stress Test and the Internal Cache Test.

   In addition to choosing any of media or device test options, you can also define several parameters of the test by changing the parameters within the Test Settings option. Test Settings options include the following:

   • Media Test Settings– Enables you to select the test time duration, the percentage of the hard disk to test, and the sectors to be tested on the hard disk.

   • Device Test Settings– Enables you to select the test time durations of the devices and the test level.

   • Number of Retries– Enables you to select the number of times to retry testing a device before terminating the test.

   • Maximum Errors– Enables you to select the number of errors allowed before terminating the test.

   • Check SMART First– SMART stands for Smart Monitoring Analysis Reporting Technology. Enables you to run a SMART test that provides automatic monitoring and problem reporting of the disk drive’s health.

   • HPA Protection– HPA stands for Host Protected Area. Enables you protect the Host Protected Area of the disk drive.

   • Exit– Enables you to exit the Test Settings option menu.