A Trustworthy HD Utility Software?

[stuckstuck]

I had heard unusual noises coming from one of my (Western Digital) external hard drives so I went and checked to see if everything is okay.
I currently depend on 'HD Tune Pro' to give me an analysis on my hard drives, may it be bad sectors or it's general 'health'.
HD Tune had found something, but I figured I would get a second look from another software.
When I ran WD's own hard drive utility software and ran an extended test to check for bad sectors it had found nothing?
Now, usually seeing as I had used WD's own software to check for the issues, I would probably lean more towards WD's test results; but seeing as HD Tune is saying otherwise makes me a bit wary.
As I did hear unusual noises coming from the hard drive and all, I can't ignore the idea that maybe WD's software missed the mark while HD Tune noticed what I noticed.
I don't know, maybe there's another HD utility software that is better or something?
Any input would be appreciated.

 

[richc46]

I use the free Crystal Disc.
You have 2 bad sectors. These sectors can be fixed, immediately by the built in Ckdsk. The bad sectors are taken out of play. You can only do this so many times, however. This is normal and there is no problem unless it keeps happening and the numbers are large.
In step 4 check both boxes, to fix. It will take several hours
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html
All of this being said, everyone should always have a back up. A drive can go bad at any time. I use the great Macrium Reflect for weekly back ups.

 

[stuckstuck]

I'm currently going through the scan now, but I thought bad sectors are a hardware issue?
The hard drive is still under warranty, so I could get a new one sent to me?

 

[richc46]

If the hard drive is new, you should not be getting bad sectors already, UNLESS, the drive is defective or there was some event that could cause damage. Some examples are shutting down, bt pushing the power button, freezes or dropping the computer. If there was no event that could cause trouble and you can RMA and other tests confirm the bad sectors, you might want to return it. Did you know that about 5% of new hard drives are defective and that a large percentage fail before 5 years?
Bad Sectors Explained: Why Hard Drives Get Bad Sectors and What You Can Do About It

 

[stuckstuck]

It's new-ish. I should mention that the hard drive was running fine to a point but started making odd noises when the hard drive wasn't sitting flat as it should, it was leant on top of something which angled the hard drive in an odd position.
Nevertheless I think I'm going to be sending it back to get a new one, might as well.

 

[richc46]

Noises are a bad sign.

 

[stuckstuck]

I figured as much aha.. It wasn't like a destructive noise but it was a bit, you know.
It doesn't make any sounds now but now when I place my hand on top of the case I feel the disks spinning on that particular hard drive and I feel the needle thing inside, skipping?
I don't know how to describe it...

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Before sending it back (if you do send it back), make sure you backup your data to another drive (you should already be making and maintaining backups, anyway), then wipe all the data from the drive being returned. Don't just erase or format it, use a program, such as CCleaner, to wipe the drive by overwriting what is already on it.