Ubuntu
hal package

Check Hard Drive For Errors?

Asked by Dick Metzger

Would there be a way to check the hard drive for errors similar to Windows type of "Chkdisk or Scandisk, and Disk Defragmenter? Hard drive is making a clicking noise and would like to investigate for errors or defects.If drive is defective would like to backup files but not familiar on how to do so on Ubuntu! Please advise! Many Thanks: Dick

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Mert Dirik
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Mert Dirik (mertdirik) said : 		#1

Firstly, make a backup of your harddisc. You can use dd tool. Later, you can use badblocks for find unreadable sectors on your harddisc.

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Alan Pope 🍺🐧🐱 🦄 (popey) said : 		#2

sbackup is a good tool for doing backups. It allows you to backup your system to (for example) a USB hard disk. You can then reinstall (once you have a new hard disk) and then install sbackup and restore it all again.

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Dick Metzger (rlmetzger) said : 		#3

Happy to report that upon opening the case and cleaning out the interior from dirt and dust buildup, the clicking noise disappeared. Would still like suggestions on cleaning up unneeded files also!
Thank you for your support. It is very much appreciated! Dick

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williamts99 (williamts99) said : 		#4

Glad to hear that the clicking went away, never know how long hard drives will last, at least you are thinking ahead about backups. What version of Ubuntu are you using and what kind of backups are you wanting to make?

Might want to check out this thread on the forums about cleaning up old files.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=140920

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williamts99 (williamts99) said : 		#5

If you are running Edgy, there is a program that you can install it's called hubackup (Home User Backup) it is very simple and might be what you are looking for. And as far as fragmentation you pretty much don't have to worry about it as it is pretty much non existent (this isn't a MS product) :-)

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williamts99 (williamts99) said : 		#6

If these comments have solved your problem, please consider marking this request as answered. https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SupportRequests contains useful information about managing your support request.

If you are still having problems, let us know and we'll keep working on them.

Best Regards,

Williamts99

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Dick Metzger (rlmetzger) said : 		#7

Yes...you may consider this request as answered. Thank you very much for your help!
It is very much appreciated! Dick