What is reported by the system as a "bad sector" may not necessarily be a
physical failure. Software can corrupt the format saved on disk that results
in "apparent" bad sectors. You are correct in that software is not likely to
cause physical damage to a disk.

Peter
-----------------------------------------------
The NoSpin Group
[log in to unmask]


> -----Original Message-----
> > Bad sectors can be caused by bad device drivers and possibly errant
> > programs.
>
> How can device drivers or programs physically damage a hard drive??
> Bad sectors are spots on the drive that are damaged, and will not
> record or hold data anymore. This is usually flakes coming off, or the
> magnitized portion is damaged in spots. This is the first
> sign of a failing
> hard drive.

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