turek@brl-tgr.ARPA (C. A. Turek <turek>) (01/31/85)
In the 7 Jan 85 issue of EE Times there is an article describing a software "fix" for the IBM AT's fixed disk problem. The product is called "DFixer" and claims to cure the bad sector problem with a "simple one-time running of the program". The program is a product of Interactive Data Corp. division of Chase Manhatten Bank. { Looks like everyone is getting into the act! (:-)} It is available from: MicroWay Distributors Kingston, Mass (617) 746-7341 Price: $149 US TUREK@BRL ** Ref:7 Jan 85 EE Times, Pg. 44 "Software Solution Is Claimed For "Serious" IBM PC AT Errors" by Richard Doherty
jmsellens@watmath.UUCP (John M Sellens) (02/11/85)
The way I heard it: For a few versions, DOS has not marked bad sectors properly. It marked a couple of sectors in the area of the bad sectors as bad, when they were actually good, and left the bad sectors unmarked. (Now remember, this is just "what I heard", though I did hear it from a quite reliable source.) The $149 fixer program (according to the article I read) marks the bad sectors properly. Perhaps this problem is only arising now due to the new style/brand of hard disk and the possibility (fact?) that these disks have more bad sectors, and hence, more chance to get hit. Personally, I think $149 is a lot of money, but why not charge what the market will bear??? John