Computers are easier to use and more dependable with each new generation of hardware and operating system update, but that doesn't mean they're problem-free. Here's a look at the five most popular tools for troubleshooting your computer problems.
How to Create a Power Efficiency Diagnostics Report in Windows 10 The Power Efficiency Diagnostics will analyze your system for common energy efficiency and battery life problems, and report any errors, warnings, and informational details found. This tutorial will show you how to run a power efficiency diagnostics reportof your PC in Windows 10. You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to run a power efficiency diagnostics report. For the best results, you should run the power efficiency diagnostics report when the PC is idle and with no open programs or documents. Here's How: 1. Open an elevated command prompt. 2. In the elevated command prompt, copy and paste the command below, and press Enter. (see screenshot below) 3. Double click/tap on the Power_Efficiency_Diagnostics_Report.html file on your desktop to open and see the power efficiency diagnostics report in your default web browser (ex: Internet Explorer). 4. Here is a copy of my power efficiency diagnostics report in Internet Explorer as an example of what you will see. (see screenshots below)
For more information about how to read Powercfg energy reports, you can read the paper 'Using PowerCfg to Evaluate System Energy Efficiency' available from the following Microsoft website below as a .docx file. Using PowerCfg to Evaluate System Energy Efficiency That's it, Shawn
Photo a composite of images by jimrhoda and Axonite.
Earlier this week we asked you to share your favorite diagnostic tool. Below, we've rounded up the top five answers, and now we're back to highlight the most popular computer diagnostic tools among Lifehacker readers.
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Best Computer Diagnostic Tool?
Computers have (happily) advanced to the point where we spend more time getting work done on them…
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SIW (Windows, Free)
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If things haven't gotten bad enough that you're forced to take refuge with a Live CD, SIW is a Windows-based diagnostic tool that can help you get to the bottom of things. SIW is incredibly detailed in its analysis, next to nothing is left uncatalogued from the timings of your memory modules to the DLL files loaded to what applications you have set to autorun at startup. Even if you're not currently experiencing any computer issues, SIW gives you a really interesting peek inside your computer. Hiren's BootCD (Live CD, Free)
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Hiren's BootCD is an impressive toolkit rolled into one packed DOS-based Live CD. Sporting over a hundred separate diagnostic and repair tools, Hiren's BootCD can help you do everything from diagnose a memory problem to clone a disk to speed test your video card. If you can't find out what is wrong with your computer after running through all the tools on Hiren's BootCD the diagnostic answer you may end up at is 'Time to buy a new computer.' A note about Hiren's BootCD: many of the diagnostic tools gathered on the disc are abandonware or older versions of still produced commercial software. The legal status of Hiren's BootCD is murky so Hiren doesn't directly host the disc image himself. You'll need to search Google to find locations like here and here where the disc is hosted. If you're not comfortable with murky areas of Hiren's method for assembling the boot disc, you'll find plenty of other excellent boot discs in this Hive Five that contain only freeware and open-source software. Google/Search Engines (Web-based, Free)
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Your first reaction to the phrase 'computer diagnostic tool' might not be 'Google!', but every computer diagnosis begins with the user wondering what the error code or chain of events leading up to the error means. We've solved countless problems around the Lifehacker office by simply plugging in an error code or describing the problem in common terms and letting Google do the heavy lifting. Google tirelessly kicks back thousands of web pages, forum posts, and even old Usenet postings to help you drill down to your specific issue. Your favorite search engine isn't necessarily a diagnostic tool in the traditional sense, but it should be the first place you stop whenever you have a computer issue. Many of the solutions we've found over the years using Google were extremely specific and pointed us towards using a just-for-that-problem application or tweak we would have never found otherwise. Ubuntu Live CD (Live CD, Free)
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You'll find no shortage of Live CDs for Linux distributions, but Ubuntu has a particularly user-friendly Live CD and many people have experience with Ubuntu outside of diagnostic work, both make an Ubuntu Live CD extra appealing. You can use an Ubuntu Live CD to test your computer's memory, recover data, or scan your computer for viruses among other tasks. Live CDs are great for giving you a platform to work off of independently of your troubled system and an Ubuntu Live CD has the benefit of an enormous community of Ubuntu users and all the accompanying how-to guides and information. Use an Ubuntu Live CD to Test Your PC's Memory
If your PC has been experiencing strange system crashes, or even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death,…
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Ultimate Boot CD for Windows (UBCD4Win) (Live CD, Free)
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If you're a Windows user and you're not comfortable going back to your roots with a DOS-based boot disc and you definitely don't feel comfortable with a Linux one then UBCD4Win is just what you're looking for. UBCD4Win's strongest selling point is the stripped down version of Windows XP—Windows PE—which makes it dead simple for Windows users to jump in and start using the numerous diagnostic tools on UBCD4Win. When your version of Windows is flaking out on you, it's comforting to jump into a Live CD version of Windows to continue your diagnostic work without having to mess around with the nuances of using a Linux Live CD.
Now that you've had a chance to look over the top contenders for best diagnostic tool, it's time to cast your vote in the poll below:
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Which Diagnostic Tool Is Best?online survey
Have a favorite diagnostic tip, trick, tool, or tech support site you want to give a shout out? Let's hear about it in the comments. Have an idea for the next Hive Five? Drop us an email at [email protected] with 'Hive Five' in the subject line.
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There are many free hard drive testing programs available to help you determine what, if anything, is wrong when you suspect there may be a problem with a hard drive.
How can the answer be improved? PS4 and PS4 Pro key differences. The biggest difference is resolution: Whereas the original PS4 is limited to 1080p, the new PS4 Pro can go as high as 2160p – or 4K, as it's more commonly known. Nov 09, 2016 Welcome to the next console generation-ish. This year Sony has breathed new life into the PS4, twice. The result is we now have the ‘PS4 Slim’ and ‘PS4 Pro’ joining the original PS4. Sep 22, 2017 PS4 Pro vs PS4: What’s the difference between the two and should current PS4 owners upgrade to the Pro? Here’s everything you need to know. Get the New PS4 Pro! Sony launched two new versions of the PS4 in 2016. The PS4 Pro represents a meatier, m. Apr 11, 2019 PS4 Pro vs PS4: What’s the difference and should current PS4 owners upgrade to the Pro? Trusted Reviews has the answers. Sony launched two new PS4 consoles back in 2016. The PS4 Pro represents a. Ps4 slim vs ps4.
Tools like Windows Error Checking and the chkdsk command are included in your Windows-based operating system already but some others, like those below, are available from hard drive manufacturers and other developers.
Depending on the issue found, you may need to replace your hard drive if it fails some part of one of these hard drive tests.
Many excellent Commercial Hard Drive Repair Software programs are available as well. Be sure to first try the free hard drive diagnostic software options below before paying for any program!
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Seagate SeaToolsWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Seagate SeaTools is free hard drive testing software that comes in two forms for home users:
SeaTools Bootable and SeaTools for DOS support Seagate or Maxtor drives and run independent from your operating system on their own USB drive or CD, respectively.
SeaTools for Windows is a program that installs on your Windows system. You can do basic and advanced testing of any kind of drive — internal or external — from any manufacturer.
For those looking for SeaTools Desktop, SeaTools Online, or Maxtor's PowerMax software, please note that the two tools above have replaced all three. Seagate now owns the Maxtor brand.
Seagate's SeaTools programs are excellent programs. They're used to test hard drives by professional computer services but are easy enough for anyone to use.
The Windows version of SeaTools works with Windows 10 through Windows XP.
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HDDScanHt 8a Diagnostic Tool DownloadWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
HDDScan is a free hard drive testing program for all types of drives, no matter the manufacturer.
There are several tools included in HDDScan, including a SMART test and a surface test.
The program is very easy to use, is completely portable, supports almost all drive interfaces, and seems to be regularly updated.
You can use HDDScan in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2003.
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DiskCheckupWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
DiskCheckup is a free hard drive tester that should work with most hard drives.
SMART info like reading error rate, spin-up time, seek error rate, and temperature is displayed, as well as the ability to run a short and extended disk test.
Details in the SMART section can be configured to send an email or display a notification when their attributes exceed the manufacturer's recommended threshold.
Hard drives that have a SCSI or hardware RAID connection are not supported and can not be detected by DiskCheckup.
DiskCheckup works with Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP and Windows Server 2008/2003.
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GSmartControlWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
GSmartControl can run various hard drive tests with detailed results and give an overall health assessment of a drive.
You can view and save SMART attribute values like the power cycle count, multi-zone error rate, calibration retry count, and many others.
GSmartControl can run three self-tests to find drive faults:
GSmartControl can be downloaded for Windows as a portable program or as a regular program with a normal installer. It works with Windows 10 through Windows XP. It's also available for Linux and Mac operating systems as well as included in a couple of LiveCD/LiveUSB programs.
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Windows Drive Fitness Test (WinDFT)What We Like
What We Don't Like
Windows Drive Fitness Test is free hard drive diagnostic software available for use on most drives available today.
The download link below installs the Windows Drive Fitness Test software to the Windows OS, but you can't use the program to scan the drive that has Windows installed.
Unfortunately, only USB and other internal hard drives can be scanned with Windows Drive Fitness Test.
You can install WinDFT to Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
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Samsung HUTILWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Samsung HUTIL is a free hard drive diagnostic utility for Samsung hard drives. HUTIL is sometimes called ES-Tool.
Samsung's HUTIL tool is available as an ISO image for burning to a CD or USB drive. This makes HUTIL operating system independent and a better testing tool, in general, than those designed for use within Windows. It's also possible to run HUTIL from a bootable floppy disk.
Because Samsung HUTIL is a bootable program, you'll need a working hard drive and OS to burn it to a disc or USB device.
HUTIL will only test Samsung hard drives. HUTIL will load and find your non-Samsung drive but you will not be able to run any diagnostics on the drive.
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Western Digital Data Lifeguard Diagnostic (DLGDIAG)What We Like
What We Don't Like
Western Digital Data Lifeguard Diagnostic (DLGDIAG) is free hard drive testing software that's available for download in both a portable Windows program as well as a bootable, ISO file and allows for a number of hard drive tests.
See the installation instructions from Western Digital in the link below for details.
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Bart's Stuff TestWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Bart's Stuff Test is a free, Windows-based hard drive stress test.
There aren't a lot of options in Bart's Stuff Test and it's not as thorough as some other tests on this list.
All things considered, Bart's Stuff Test is a decent addition to your hard drive testing arsenal, especially if you're having problems testing with an ISO based tool above but want something besides the Windows default tool.
Bart's Stuff Test is said to work only with Windows XP through Windows 95. However, I tested the most recent version of Windows 10 and Windows 8 without any issues.
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Fujitsu Diagnostic ToolWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Fujitsu Diagnostic Tool is a free hard drive testing tool designed for Fujitsu hard drives.
The Fujitsu Diagnostic Tool (FJDT) is available in both a Windows version and an operating system independent, bootable DOS version. Unfortunately, the bootable version is designed for floppy disks — an image that works with a CD or USB drive is not available.
Two tests are available with Fujitsu Diagnostic Tool, a 'Quick Test' (about three minutes) and a 'Comprehensive Test' (time will vary based on hard drive size).
The Windows version of Fujitsu Diagnostic Tool should work in all versions of Windows, from Windows 10 to Windows 2000.
Fujitsu Diagnostic Tool will perform hard drive tests on Fujitsu drives only. If you have any other make of hard drive, try one of the manufacturer independent tests listed toward the beginning of this list.
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HD TuneWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
HD Tune is a Windows-based hard driver tester that works with any internal or external hard drive, SSD, or memory card.
You can run a benchmark read test with HD Tune, check the health status with Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART), and run an error scan.
Only Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000 are said to be supported, though I was also able to use HD Tune in Windows 10 and Windows 8, too.
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Free EASIS Drive CheckWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Free EASIS Drive Check is a hard drive tester that has two main testing utility built-in — a sector test and a SMART value reader.
The SMART test can list over 40 values about a hard drive while the sector test checks the surface of the media for reading errors.
The report of either test can be read straight from the program when complete, configured to be sent to you by email or printed off.
Free EASIS Drive Check is said to work with Windows 2000 through Windows 7, but I was able to use it properly on Windows 8 and 10 as well.
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Microsoft Windows Built-In Error CheckingWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Error Checking, sometimes referred to as scandisk, is a hard drive testing tool that comes with Microsoft Windows that can scan your hard drive in search of a wide range of errors.
This tool can also attempt to correct a number of hard drive problems.
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Macrorit Disk ScannerWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Macrorit Disk Scanner is a very simple program that checks for bad sectors on a hard drive. It's easy to use and you can start using it in no time since it's fully portable and doesn't need to be installed.
The majority of this screen is used as a visual representation of the progress of the scan and clearly indicates if there's damage.
One thing in particular that I like about Macrorit Disk Scanner is that you can see how much time is remaining before the scan is over, which some hard drive scanners don't show.
The operating systems that can run Macrorit Disk Scanner are Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Windows Home Server, and Windows Server 2012/2008/2003.
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Ariolic Disk ScannerWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Ariolic Disk Scanner is very similar to Macrorit Disk Scanner in that it's just a read-only scan of a drive to check for bad sectors. It has a minimal interface with only one button, and is easy to understand if any parts of the drive contain bad sectors.
The program is completely portable and just over 1 MB in size.
One thing that's different than Macrorit Disk Scanner is that Ariolic Disk Scanner lists the files where read errors occurred. This sounds like a useful feature but I, unfortunately, was unable to confirm it because my scan returned no errors.
I tested Ariolic Disk Scanner in Windows 10 and XP only, but it should also work with other versions of Windows.
Hitachi is a Japanese technology company that specializes in software programs, servers, hard disk drives and computers. If something goes wrong with one of your hard disk drives, Hitachi provides you with free disk drive diagnostic and management tools, which you can download from the Hitachi website.
Feature Tool
This tool allows you to change the settings and/or options for your advanced technology attachment (ATA) hard disk drives, and it runs when your computer is starting up. To use this program, you must download the software and then create a bootable CD. It is compatible with the Windows and Linux operating systems, and it supports 48-bit addressing, which allows you to add more memory to your integrated development environment (IDE) hard disk drive. Another feature allows you to adjust the power modes and the ultra direct memory access (UDMA) protocol settings, which then allows you transfer data from your hard disk drive to your random access memory (RAM). You can also reconfigure the serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) interface. The Feature Tool is designed specifically for the Hitachi Travelstar and Deskstar ATA hard disk drives.
Fitness Test
The Drive Fitness Test (DFT) is a tool for checking the health of your hard disk drives, including your IDE, SATA, Parallel ATA and small computer system interface (SCSI) drives. It will run tests on your system without compromising or writing over data to determine why your disk drive will not start up or keeps crashing. It will also create data logs of any drive parameters. There are three scan levels: a full scan, a quick scan and a customizable scan, where you determine what drive or area of a drive to scan. This tool is compatible only with x86 processors.
Align Tool
The Hitachi Align Tool helps you determine whether or not your disk drive is partitioned properly (disk partitioning involves breaking up a hard disk drive in different virtual drives, allowing you to create independent drives on your computer). This tool will help ensure all your data sectors are aligned correctly, and it will also help you determine whether or not data is being correctly written on and read from the drive. This tool is compatible only with Windows operating systems.
OGT Tool
The OGT Diagnostic Tool allows you to run tests on your disk drive to determine whether or not it is working properly, and it also lets you know why a particular disk drive has failed. This tool is compatible with the Windows operating system, and it is also compatible with the Ultrastar 15K73, DK32xx and 10K300.
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