Service Center 7 DOS - System Benchmark

[jmp242]

Why does the benchmark skip testing the HD even if it's checked in the options? The benchmark just lists size, and then says skipped ... all the way down. Is this expected.

[fwilson]

jmp242,

Not normally. 

What type of drive is it and how is it attached? I.e. is it a mirror or RAID setup?  Have SMART Logs been tripped?

-Fred

[rlazaro]

I am also having a problem using 7.5. It is attached in SATA. Is there any equivalent function using PC DOCTOR Windows version? Is it related to SMART logs?

[fwilson]

rlazaro,

Could you please be a little more specific? 
What type of problems are you having?
What type of system is it?
How are the drives attached?
I don't know what problem you are having so I can't say if there is an equivalent function in Windows.

-Fred

[rlazaro]

Hi fred,

Sorry the problem is the same with the first post which is when using the service center 7.5 DOS under the Utility -> Benchmark System, the fixed disked only display the size but the other tests are "skipped".

I read in the FAQ that NTFS and FAT32 are not accessible using Service Center DOS that's why I'm asking if there is the same function in Windows version.

I'm using it in a regular desktop which is connected via IDE or SATA...

[fwilson]

rlazaro,

Even if the Disk is NTFS it will still see and test the drive.  The DOS tests read and compare via tracks and sectors regardless of the format.  You just would not be able to save the logs.

It sounds like it is an AHCI implementation PC-Doctor DOS does not understand.  When the size is shown but tests are dotted out it usually means that it is only accessable by BIOS int 13 and testing through that is useless. You could set it to IDE mode in the BIOS, test and then put it back before you try to boot windows.

To answer your original question yes, there is a burn in test in Windows that will test Video, Ram and Hard Disk simultaneously.  There is also a plethora of Hard drive tests that will test through the windows drivers.

-Fred

[rlazaro]

hi fred,

thanks for the info.
To further understand my question, I got some screen shots (below)which shows that the only data shown is the size while the other tests are "Skip".


This is run from the Utility Menu

[fwilson]

rlazaro,

What about the disks tests under the diagnostics menu,  do they show all the tests available?

-Fred

[rlazaro]

hi fred,

yes the tests are available but it would only show PASSED or FAILED. we are using the benchmark to know the value. this is more of like being pro-active because sometimes PASSED can be "BARELY" PASSED.

[fwilson]

rlazaro,

Understood,  the SMART logs would be a more reliable place to look for questionable hard drives.  The benchmark test is a legacy test that is not designed for this purpose. In order to enable the drive testing a destructive write test must be enabled.  This was disabled in Service center 7.5 to prevent unwanted data corruption.  If there is an issue with the drive or controller with this on, all data would be lost.  Pretty dangerous.

I am sorry I did not see this in your first post.  I translated Benchmark to System Load test in my head as the Benchmark test is so rarely used.

Perhaps the System Load Test would be better to accomplish your goal.  It is located under the Interactive test menu.  This will place the system under load accessing many subsystems simultaneously.  It is available in both DOS and Windows.

PC-Doctor is very configurable via INI files and great controll over program execution is available via the command line if a more production type environment is desired.

-Fred

Please send

[rlazaro]

Hi Fred,

thank you very much for the enlightenment. i will try your suggestion and try to explore the PC-Doctor more.

regards,