HD Tune Pro is an extended version of HD Tune which includes many new features such as: write benchmark, secure erasing, AAM setting, folder usage view, disk monitor, command line parameters and file benchmark.

1. How can I check if my hard disk is working well?

a) Check the Health screen
Here you will see S.M.A.R.T information which shows the condition of the hard disk.
The status of each parameter should be Ok.
If the parameter is highlited in yellow it means that the parameter almost reached a critical value. At this point it is highly recommended to check this parameter regulary to see if the value becomes worse.
If the parameter is highlited in red it means that the parameter has reached a critical value. In this case you should make a backup of your data and replace the hard disk.

b) Run the Error Scan
There shouldn't be any damaged (red) blocks. If there are you should backup your data and replace the hard disk.

c) Check the temperature
The temperature of the hard disk should not exceed 55°C/131°F. By default HD Tune warns you if the hard disk reaches this temperature.

In this case it's recommended to use a hard disk cooler to extend the life of the hard disk.

2. How can I verify the performance of my hard disk?
Run the benchmark functions and compare the results with the results from the database.
The graph should show that the hard disk starts at its maximum speed and slows down towards the end of the test.
A few downward spikes in the graph are not a problem. It means that another application or Windows was accessing the hard disk during the test.

An important parameter of the test is the Burst Rate. This value should always be higher than the maximum transfer rate.
A lower value is usually an indication of a configuration problem.

Some common problems are:
a) UDMA mode not active

Symptoms:
* the transfer rate is a flat line at +/- 3 MB/sec
* burst rate is +/- 3 MB/sec
* CPU usage is very high

Solution:

Enable Ultra DMA:

* Click on the Start button
* Select Run...
* Type devmgmt.msc in the dialog box and press enter

This will bring up the Device Manager.

* Expand IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers
* Double-click on either the Primary IDE Channel or Secondary IDE Channel
* Go to the Advanced Settings and make sure DMA if available is selected

Usually the hard disk is connected to the primary IDE channel.

b) UDMA mode 2 active

Symptoms:

* the transfer rate is a flat line at 20-30 MB/sec
* burst rate is +/- 30 MB/sec

Solution:

The maximum data transfer mode is UDMA mode 2 if a 40-wire IDE cable is used. Use an 80-wire IDE cable to use the full potential of your drive

Supported operating systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server, Windows Vista

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