When it comes to checking errors on a hard drive, Microsoft offers the CHKDSK Tool, which does a great job. However, if, for some reason, you are looking for a 3rd-party free disk error-checking software, that provides a straightforward user interface, try Abelsoft’s CheckDrive.
Monitor & fix Hard drive errors in real-time
CheckDrive is a free software that can check hard drives for errors. Apart from the error check, it offers diagnostic data as well. For example, on my S.M.A.R.T hard drive, I can see Read Error Data, Spin up time, and so on.
Just before we deep dive into the interface and features, you will need to activate the free version using a valid email id. You will receive an email with an activation link. Once activation is complete, all the free features will be unlocked.
CheckDrive Free for Windows PC
The UI offers four sections. Drive Check., Drive Information, Task Scheduler, and Settings.
- Drive Check displays all the drives and partitions on your computer. Right next to it is the last diagnosis result, followed by the drive scan option.
- Drive information displays information about the partitions. It includes the Manufacturer logo, name, hard drive size, drive size, and so on.
- Settings allow you to check for a new update, change the language, and access log files.
The third option–Task scheduler, is to schedule drive checks. However, it’s a pro feature.
CheckDrive Features
1] It can scan hard drives and fix most of the errors immediately.
2] Displays drive information and determine if your hard drive needs to be cleaned or defragmented.
3] It keeps track of hard disks in real-time and alerts immediately after an error has occurred.
4] Under Drive Check section, there is a Diagnosis section. When you click on it, it displays S.M.A.R.T data. These are static numbers that indicate the status of the disk. It includes Read Error Rate, Spin-Up Time, Reallocated Sectors Count, and Seek Error Rate. Click on it, and it will reveal more information.
CheckDrive is a simple, straightforward, hard disk checker tool which works, and keeps a tab on the health.
Download CheckDrive here. It offers a free as well as a Pro version. The free version contains advertisements and prompts you to purchase a Pro license when you close the program. In addition, the free version does not have a background guard.