1. Windows

1.1. Check for bad sectors

  • Connect the disk to the computer with an external SATA to USB adapter.

  • Make sure that the external SATA to USB adapter is powered by a UPS.

  • Start HD Tune.

  • Select the external hard disk.

  • Select the Error Scan tab.

  • Click Start.

  • Wait for the scan to finish.

  • Close HD Tune.

1.2. Check for SMART errors

  • Enter the following commands at a Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

diskmgmt.msc    # Start Disk Management
Show-SmartmontoolsErrors
"C:\Program Files\smartmontools\bin\smartctl.exe" -i /dev/sda
"C:\Program Files\smartmontools\bin\smartctl.exe" -i /dev/sdb
"C:\Program Files\smartmontools\bin\smartctl.exe" -a /dev/sdc
"C:\Program Files\smartmontools\bin\smartctl.exe" -a /dev/sdc | find /i "reallocated_sector"

1.3. Erase

1.3.1. Delete all partitions

  • Start Disk Management.

  • Right-click any partition and select Delete Volume.

  • Close Disk Management.

1.3.2. Create new partition

  • Start Disk Management.

  • Right-click Unallocated and select New Simple Volume.

  • Click Next.

  • Click Next.

  • Click Next.

  • Check Perform a quick format.

  • Uncheck Enable file and folder compression.

  • Click Next.

  • Click Finish.

  • Close Disk Management.