How to format a hard drive?

[heddesheimer]

Hi,

I'm getting a scan error with tech tools deluxe and it tells me that I should erase and format the hard drive.

I did that twice with disk utility. First I just choose erase, the second time I even deleted the partition and created a new partition. The error is still there.

Is it possible to REALLY format the hard drive on an iMac? It's really frustrating. With Windows I can choose between quick and real formatting, but disk utility don't have this option.

Please help

Marian

 

[BrianBaughn]

If TechTool sees an error after you've reformatted then re-installed the system, then my guess is that the drive is bad and will probably get worse.

If you're still under warranty, take it to the Apple Store or an Authorized Service Center to get the drive replaced. If not, you'll have to come up with the best/least expensive way to get the replacement.

 

[heddesheimer]

Thanks Brian, it's over 3 years old, so even my Apple Care won't help here. I'm really disappointed that I have paid almost $4.000 for a system that's not working after just 3 years. I never had this with my windows systems.

Thanks anyway
Marian

 

[Guiyon]

Thanks Brian, it's over 3 years old, so even my Apple Care won't help here. I'm really disappointed that I have paid almost $4.000 for a system that's not working after just 3 years. I never had this with my windows systems.

Thanks anyway
Marian

Hard drives will ALL eventually fail, some just do so sooner than others. If the error is still there after doing an erase then you most likely have a mechanical (or a soon-to-be mechanical) failure with the drive. You best bet would be to back up *any* important data ASAP and then replace the drive. Pretty much any SATA drive from NewEgg, Best Buy, etc. should work fine in that system and iFixit has a pretty exhaustive collection of repair guides for the iMac series. If you do not wish to jump straight to replacing the drive, you can try an erase with a zero write pass, the instructions are on the Apple support site.

 

[Drewbie]

Thanks Brian, it's over 3 years old, so even my Apple Care won't help here. I'm really disappointed that I have paid almost $4.000 for a system that's not working after just 3 years. I never had this with my windows systems.

Thanks anyway
Marian

your operating system has no effect on your hardware and how long it lasts.
apple uses the same hardware as any manufacturer.
IE my imac has a seagate HD in it

Im sorry your HD seems to be failing though, its never fun to have to replace that.

 

[skiltrip]

Does anyone know what Apple would charge to replace the HD in an iMac if it wasn't covered by AppleCare?