Hard Disk Surface Testing / Repair - Unattended

This option provides an extensive test of your disk's storage surfaces.  Existing data is stored temporarily, test patterns are written to all areas of your disk, they are read back and verified, and original data is re-written.  Any disk areas that fail this test are marked "bad" and no longer used by the operating system.  Recoverable data is relocated to a healthy location.

It's not unusual to have one or two "bad" blocks on a healthy disk.  An increasing or fluctuating number of these over time, however, is an indication that your disk should be replaced as soon as possible.  A good way to minimize the chance of surface errors (even on a laptop machine) is to avoid moving or bumping your computer if it's powered on:  This can cause the read/write heads to lose their tiny air gap over the disk surfaces and come into direct contact with them.  This usually damages the surface area, but can also damage read/write heads.

This "unattended" version provides that we start the process for you.  You may monitor its progress, if you wish, and then simply close the testing program at its completion.  Testing problems are very rare, and you may always call if there's something about which you're not sure.

Plan on 10 minutes for this.