Modern ATA drives collect drive error info and present that info to a host system as "SMART status". To check the SMART status of a drive on a Mac running OS X, launch Disk Utility, select the HD from the list on the left, then look toward the bottom of the window where you'll see "SMART status: ".
Normally it'll say something like "verified", but if the drive has detected errors it'll say something else. If errors were detected, figure you'll have to replace the drive soon. If it says verified, the drive may still be good (tho that ain't a guarantee!) and your problem may lie elsewhere. I don't think versions of DU earlier than came with Panther have that indicator. There are however some freeware utils that can read and report SMART status. dan k dan k ................................. http://macdan.n3.net/ carracho://dankephoto.dhs.org:9700 hotline://dankephoto.dhs.org:9500 ................................. -- The iMac List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | - Epson Stylus Color 580 Printers - new at $69 | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> iMac List info: <http://lowendmac.com/imac/list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[email protected]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/imac-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> --------------------------------------------------------------- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---------------------------------------------------------------
