Hardware Diagnostic Software

[nihil]

Hmmm................... the search for the Holy Grail continues?

I use the Ultimate Boot CD and tack on whatever diagnostics I want.

Hey, if this was easy we would all be replaced by a computer?

[keezel]

Hitachi's Drive Fitness Test (DFT) is very good. It's deceptively simple (pass/fail) but very accurate. It also offers sector repair in select circumstances depending on the outcome of the test.

Memtest86 is great for testing RAM.

I use the two above in addition to Eurosoft's PC Check. I actually like PC Check.

If you want to try something different, I've had some success with PC Doctor in the past. At least I think that's what is was called....been awhile.

[nihil]

Yes, the Hitachi tool is good, but over here we tend to use the manufacturer specific diagnostics, as they will give you the RTB/RTM documentation if the drive is still in warranty A lot of drives have a 3 year warranty but the OEM only gives you a year..............you just send them the drive back with the paperwork and they replace it.

I tend to use the UBCD and just add tools that I find useful such as Recuva:

http://www.piriform.com/recuva

I don't think that there actually is a "best", you just need the boot facility and add your own stuff and keep it updated.