Got a HDD Hitachi 160GB P/N: 0A57363
It keeps freezing at the windows loading screen, i have tried to format the drive several times but after a few hours use it goes back to totaly freezing at the windows loading screen and in safe mode freezes when i try to log in.

Its defiantly the HDD because I am now using a replacement drive, and its working fine.
Please can someone point me to some testing software to find out the problem. thanks ant .

There is nothing you (end user) can do. The drive can be DEFINITIVELY fixed (assuming there's no severe media damage and heads are at least OK) only with proper equipment and know how. Other things are either bullshit, internet bullshit, exotic bullshit or cosmetic bullshit (the problem will appear back soon, it's a known problem of Hitachi).
If you were here you could send the drive in and if possible (see above) repaired 100% for a fraction of the price of a new one.
Don't know if there is someone from this forum who does drive refurb for 1 single drive in your area, but it's worth to ask.

MHDD imho. Run a surface scan and look for em pesky bad/slow sectors.

Don't dream, it's an Hitachi. Bads to slow to.... ??!? then drive dies.

If possible , the unique way is what I have pointed out but it's not at reach of end user.

Is it possible to admit that things have an end ? If it was the car battery, that cost a lot more than a new HDD, it was replaced in a hurry without saying " HA ! " , an HDD must last 100 years. Come on !

cheers for the info the drive is only just a year old and only been used around once a week for programming ovens.

I dont disagree on any particular point BlackST. One thing can be said about any HDD no matter make and model. It will die. The guy asked what could cause the freezes like that and my opinion - bads and slow responding sectors. MHDD is the tool to test that theory. 160 gig 2.5 drive is what? 50 $ ? Also the hdd was formated , so need to worry about the data. Warranty return or just dump and buy a new one. Fixing the existing makes no sence =) God bless mass production and mass consumption =)

www.hgst.com and find warranty pages. Send it back

_________________
All went well until I plugged the drive in.