Hard drive software question (searched first)
 

I'm thinking of buying a 2tb external hard drive to do a one-time backup of most my stuff, then storing it.
Does anyone have suggestions for software to check the 2tb drive upon arrival for errors?
I don't want to start moving stuff or fill it halfway, then realize there's a problem with it.

Any of info/advice would be great!

Thanks

most manufacturers will have a free downloadable utility that does that. WD has the wd diagnostics tool, etc. If not, there is also hd tune.

when backing up , if you are using just windows cut n paste, try terracopy, or teracopy. its a copying utility for windows from the right mouse button that is a lot better. Windows craps itself if there is another file, if its interrupted, wants to overwrite whole folders etc...

teracopy assumes you are not a retard and asks you or does assumptions for you so ALL the files are copied and it makes a que of your files so you can keep clicking COPY WITH TERACOPY and it just adds that to the list.

As far as HDs, I go seagate or WD, no other brands. And even then they can die for no reason so good luck. I read newegg reviews to be safe.

Thanks for the help. I took a look at Teracopy, seems helpful.

Thoughts on this?
Newegg.com - Cavalry CAXB 2TB USB 2.0 / eSATA Black External Hard Drive CAXB3702T3 - External Hard Drives

I had many enclosures that all died for some reason. I use a premade external from WD or Seagate. those lack fans usually but if you dont keep them on 24/7 its not a problem. they also shut off aftera period to cool off.

I use this

Newegg.com - thermaltake blacx

you swap the hard drives like toast, the bad part is you can always damage that hard drive when not in use. I stack mine on a shelf here. I repair a lot of old HDs I find at garage sales or reformat and repair desktops so the thermaltake fast swap is a favorite.

Ended up catching a 1.5TB WD external for $99 with all the black Friday sales.
I was under the impression it would come with some backup software, the kind of software that will allow me to sync specified folders when I hook the thing up.
Anyone have any advice on this?