Author Topic: PC Doctor or something else to "lock" hard drives?  (Read 3088 times)

Offline se74

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I know the software that I describe below exists because I once saw it. Also, since it
runs in a basic DOS-type environment, I can use it if I can identify and find it.

I own 2 IBM desktop tower computers: the IntelliStation M Pro, machine 6230-41U,
and the eServer xSeries 205, machine 8480-53X. I'm soon to move the computers to another state and I'd like to "lock" the hard drives with IBM software so that the physical movements in the rental truck don't damage the hard drives. What downloadable software will do this locking of the hard drives so that they're not damaged in transit? Is the software called "PC Doctor" or something
else? If you find it, please post the exact URL for the software for each of my 2 computers. [The operating system in both computers is Linux, not Windows. As OS, I use MEPIS in one computer and sidux in the other computer. Both are Linux distributions and are Debian based software OSs. The sidux computer has a single 40GB hard drive and the MEPIS computer has two 40GB hard drives and I'd like to "lock" all three of them.] [The "locking", as I understand it, keeps some part(s) of the hard drives from damaging another part or parts.]

Since my computers are not under warranty, IBM will not help me. Also, since I bought both used, there was no software supplied and no OS on either computer.

Thanks

Offline fwilson

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se74,

I believe what you are speaking about is drive "parking" not locking.  This was a method of placing the heads of a hard drive over an unused sector or “parking” zone so that shocks and bouncing during shipping would occur over a track that did not contain any data.

Modern drives do this automatically upon spin down, this feature became prevalent around 1995. I doubt if any drives in service today would not have this feature.  You can look on the drive manufacturers website to confirm this.  If this procedure should be used the utility to do so would be available directly from the drive manufacturer.

-Fred
« Last Edit: August 24, 2009, 12:54:46 pm by fwilson »
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.”  ~ J.C. Watts

Offline se74

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Thanks Fred for the explanation. My two computers were made in the 2000s so they'll be OK when I move.   :)

Offline fwilson

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“Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.”  ~ J.C. Watts