IDE Hdd Problem

[sudeep]

The Hdd of my PC is damaged. It is because of bad sectors. Tried by formatting many times by XP, even 98, but no use. I also dont have a substitute for it. Any solution for it? I dont know any way other than formatting. Please help

[puddi]

Try using a magnet. Fixes common problems.

[Kulverstukas]

You cannot fix the bad sectors. If the HDD is damaged, then you can just use a strong magnet - stroke the HDD with it a few times.

Seriously, if HDD has just 1 or 2 bad sectors, it's not a big problem, just keep in mind that is might break down when you least expect it. I had a hdd in use with few bad sectors for good few years, and it still works fine...
Though data corruption may occur.

[geXXos]

You cannot really "fix" bad sectors, although sometimes they sectors are marked bad due to logical or software problems, rather than physical problems.

If you cannot repair the bad sectors, you can isolate the bad sectors using PBD(Partition Bad Disk). After running PBD, your partitions will be clean of bad sectors http://www.goodlucksoft.com/.

You can download also UBCD, use the "HDD Options" and select the appropriate manufacture, do a low level format. but YOU WILL LOOSE ALL DATA...

[sudeep]

I dont mind if Data is lost. Any other solutions?

[hanorotu]

Buy a new hdd

[iTpHo3NiX]

Buy a new hdd