Member Avatar for silvercats

I OS stoppped loading then I found out there were bad sectors. I fixed them and resintalled windows 7(to C:,same old partition). I am moving to Widnows 8. So should I install the new OS on a different partition? (I am getting rid of Windows 7). CHKDSK fixed bad sectors. is it ok to resintall to the same partition or should I choose a different one?

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Quick summary and practical checklist tied to the thread: reported CHKDSK “fixing” bad sectors and then reinstalling Windows 7, and correctly flagged that bad sectors often mean the drive is at risk. CHKDSK with the /r option locates bad sectors and attempts to recover readable data, but it does not repair physical platter damage—it marks or relocates problem clusters. (learn.microsoft.com)

Triage steps before installing Windows 8 on that disk: immediate backup of any important data; read the drive’s S.M.A.R.T. attributes (especially Reallocated Sector Count and Current Pending Sector Count) because non‑zero or growing values are a strong warning of physical media problems; then run the drive maker’s extended diagnostics (SeaTools, WD diagnostics, etc.) and a full surface/long test. Manufacturer long tests will read every LBA and can attempt reallocation; a failed long test or persistent pending/unreallocating sectors is a reason to replace the drive rather than reuse it. (support-en.wd.com)

About installing to the same partition: partition borders do not isolate physical platter damage. If S.M.A.R.T. is clean (no pending/reallocated growth) and the manufacturer long test passes, a clean OS install to the same partition is reasonable. If any SMART attributes are warning or the long test finds unrecoverable sectors, the safe option is to install onto a different, known‑good drive and retire the suspect disk. (seagate.com)

On monitoring and timing: hard drive failure timing is unpredictable. The important metric is trend, not a single small count—if reallocated or pending sector counts increase, replace the drive promptly. Periodic S.M.A.R.T. checks (frequency based on criticality: weekly for critical systems, monthly otherwise) plus regular backups are the practical safety measures. (support-en.wd.com)

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

If the tool indicated that the sectors where fixed, you should be Ok to install on the same partition. However, bad sectors are generally an indication of a problem with the drive. Its not normal to encounter bad sectors. You may consider monitoring the situation, maintain current backups of your data and a plan to replace the drive in the event that you continue to encounter bad sectors.

Member Avatar for silvercats

Are the new bad sectors likely to occure in the same physical area? if so could it be dangerous to install windows again to the same drive becasue new ones can occure close to the c: parition again?

What is the duration I should recheck and run CHKDSK again?

Usually how long does it take for new bad sectos to occur (there were 5 dots in HD tune scanning) ? how long before the total destrcution? thanks.

Member Avatar for JorgeM

Are the new bad sectors likely to occure in the same physical area? if so could it be dangerous to install windows again to the same drive becasue new ones can occure close to the c: parition again? What is the duration I should recheck and run CHKDSK again? Usually how long does it take for new bad sectos to occur (there were 5 dots in HD tune scanning) ? how long before the total destrcution? thanks.

I'm not sure that anyone can provide this info. When it comes to mechanical components in your computer, the question is not whether they will fail, but how long before they fail. All components will eventually fail. I've had drives that have lasted a few weeks, and others years. My experience has been with drives that bad sectors could be an indication of a bigger problem. I'm not trying to add additional fear that the drive will fail. As a matter of fact it will fail eventually. If this is the first time you have encountered an issue, I wouldnt worry too much, just keep an eye out. If you run into errors, blue screens, etc.., re-run the diagnostics, but protect your data.

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