Hard Drive Issue - "Reallocated Sectors Count"

jamiedolan said:

I started manually copying my important files to an external drive. The windows backup started to run at a scheduled time while I was still manually copying files, so I let it run. The windows backup completed without error. (after I did the uninstall / removed / renamed the files we discussed).


I'll run the check disk program as soon as I can reboot (waiting for uploads), but at least I have the windows backup and a manual backup of my files done.

Since I have managed to both manually copy all of my files and got the windows backup to run, is there any advantage to using the Acronis type of program? Is that similar to the old Symantec Ghost program?

Thanks so much for all the help

Jamie

Hi Jamie. Thanks for updating us. The backup program you use really depends on what you are comfortable with, although some cite Windows Backup & Restore as 'not always reliable'. I myself have never used it. If there is a way to 'verify' or 'validate' the backup, that would be a good idea.

I prefer Acronis TI (and have been using it for several years). However, ther's no reason for you to rush out and buy it, since you are happy with Win B/U.

Of interest, though, might be this link to a free (!) WD version of Acronis. It might not be a bad idea to download it and use it to create images and keep on hand just in case. It will also give you a chance to preview Acronis TI without cost (although it likely doesn''t have all the features of 'full blown' TI). And yes, it is similar to Norton Ghost in that it creates 'images' of your partition or full HD. I used to use Ghost, but left them around year 2003, as it became much like the rest of their software had become...bloated and buggy. Anyway, here's the link:

WD Support

James

Windows "backup & restore" has 2 components. One does file/folder backup (like the OP's screenshot. It generates multiple .zip files. The second is imaging which generates large .vhd files.
Both totally different technically and in terms of what they do.
I have used both extensively without problem.
In addition I use Macrium Reflect free as a safeguard.

If these programs work for you I don't think you need to look any further. For precious documents the "drag & drop" backup doesn't hurt either as an added safeguard.

I was trying a third part file/folder backup program yesterday. It (or I) messed up my system. A windows image restored the system in 20 minutes.

hi
i recently reinstalled windows7, and now my storejet 1.5TB external
hdd is much slower, i can view/open nearly all my data except for a
few folders.
check it in crystal disk, got a caution for reallocated sector count
these folders i cannot delete either.

can you please tell me what is wrong? virus, dying drive or what?

thanks duncan

Hard drives ship with a certain number of unused sectors. These are used to replace any bad sectors that develop on the drive. The warning means that you have used up most of the spare sectors.

So the drive isn't particularly healthy. I would download the drive manufacturer's hard drive utility and see what it says. You may have a warranty claim. I would at least think about backing up data and watch that reallocated sector count.

Have you done an anti-virus or anti-malware scan?

tried an anti virus scan with malwarebytes, if freezes at a certain point