Hmm, don’t know the answer to that sorry. The ‘best solution’ to a similar query on Tom’s Hardware is this:
Yes. Possibly.
- Write ZEROS (low level format)
- Full Format (not quick; will build bad sector table)
- DST (Drive Short Test)
- DLT (Drive Long Test)
For the last two, or similar tests, try to get a diagnostic utility from the same manufacturer though they may all work with any HDD. I’ve mixed WD and Seagate diagnostics just fine.
Other:
For LLL, I suggest using one of the utilities from UltimatebootCD. Like this:
a) download and burn disc http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
b) Unhook all but drive to Low Level Format
c) boot to disc (or USB)… change BIOS boot order if need be
d) Find and run utility (will take HOURS)… *Active KillDisk.
e) Shut down, hook up all drives again
f) Start to Windows and continue my diagnostic steps
Unless you can get diagnostics to look good I would personally always be too scared to use it as anything but a 2nd backup, but that’s nice to have anyway.