Options for Low Level Format Tools

[vanaya]

I recently remembered the password on a drive that I had laying around. And was given another computer with drive. Both are 10 gb drives. Can anyone recommend a utility that would test the drives and format them??

One is a Hitachi Model DK229A-10 and the other is Toshiba MK1011GAV. I have tried the Hitachi fitness drive test and both completed successfully. Since these drives are not compatible for the software, it would not let me erase or erase boot sectors just test and exercise. I tried to load the xp-pro on the Toshiba and received and error stating that there is only 9637mb of space available. I have also tried the Low Level format tool in the Hard Drive FAQ. Both drives get stuck at a quarter way for 8-10 hours.

Any advise or recommendations??

[sugo]

Is there a reason you need low level format? What error are you getting? 10GB is about 9760MB as 1GB = 1000MB in HDD's manufacturer's book.

[vanaya]

Well.. the reason I was thinking of the low level format was because I read in the Hard Drive FAQ, that RealBlackStuff had resurrected a Toshiba drive using the LLF Tool.

Now that I am trying to reproduce the error, it is actually loading xp-pro.

I have to sleep so, I will let it install and check back in the AM.

[vanaya]

UPDATE:

I did not get the error to occur during xp install. It is loading all the xp-pro updates now, so i guess thats good.

I guess I was jumping the gun, before thoroughly testing the hard drive?? So all is well now.