Reinitialize disk surface..I don't have that option

[Lost Data]

I'm using a registered standard version 4.50, and I don't have the option of Reinitialize disk surface. I see Read and Write options.
Does the standard version not have this option?
Thanks

[hdsentinel]

Yes: Hard Disk Sentinel standard version offers only the Read and Write tests.
Other tests, like the Reinitialise Disk Surface test is available in the Pro version only, as shown in the product comparison table ( http://www.hdsentinel.com/store.php ).

In some situations, the simple Write test can help, but generally, the Reinitialise Disk Surface test is more effective.
If you prefer to upgrade, please send an e-mail to info@hdsentinel.com with the existing license code you have.

[Lost Data]

well, I did the write test, and the number of weak sectors increased from 3 to 60. I suppose because the test writes to every byte of space. Is this drive even worth trying to "repair"

[hdsentinel]

Usually during write type tests the amount of weak sectors decrease - if the hard disk already found all such problems before.
I mean that if the sector damages, the drive may mark it as weak only when it accessed next time, so usually the best way is to perform a read test (exactly to reveal any kind of problems, for example all weak sectors) - and then perform the write test (or better the Reinitialise Disk Surface test) to fix them.

Yes, the write test performs the overwrite of the complete disk surface.
Just the Reinitialise Disk Surface test performs the overwrite multiple times with the special initialisation pattern, which may be more effective in repairing.

Yes, currently you may try a 2nd (and even more) pass of the write test. If the weak sector count starts to decrease (or at least remains stable) and then following read tests show no more problems, the drive may still be used - but only with constant monitoring and (especially if it's health is low) only for secondary storage.

For more information about weak sectors and how it is possible to avoid them in all possible ways (as it may be required to check and improve the operating environment, to prevent new and new problems):
http://www.hdsentinel.com/hard_disk_cas ... ectors.php

[Lost Data]

The staff might want to consider adding to the help file that the reinitialize disk surface is in the pro version only. I spent a lot of time googling to figure out why I did not see this option.
But, I do thank you for your help on this..

[hdsentinel]

Sorry for the confusion.
Yes, currently the Help only contains:

"Note: some tests and settings are available only in the Professional version of the software."

(Help -> Hard Disk Tests -> Surface test) and yes, if we do not see the product comparison page ( http://www.hdsentinel.com/store.php ), then it is not clear which tests are missing from the Standard version. Excuse me, it will be changed, so the help will reflect it more clearly.