Diskwarrior : worth it for an error 4HDD/11/ ...

[The Matrix]

Hello guys.

I seek your advice on two things, a) about an error that I encounter after running an extended hardware diagnosis (error code = 4HDD/11/40000004: SATA (0,0)) and b) if it really makes sense to invest in Diskwarrior (as it costs nearly $100)

To give you the big picture, lately the performance of my mid-2009 MBP deteriorated. And the first thing I did was run an extended hardware test to identify potential issues. And indeed I encountered the error message "4HDD/11/40000004: SATA (0,0)"
I immediately took it to the genius bar and the technician there ran his own "apple" certified diagnosis and stated that its not really a hardware, but seemingly a software issue. And I was suggested to do a clean install of Mountain Lion, since the technician suspected that an upgrade from Lion -> Mountain Lion may have caused some directory conflicts.

Well, I did manage to do a clean install by first erasing the HDD, installing ML from scratch and then re-storing the last back-up image from Time-machine. At least this is how the clean install was suggested by this technician.

Anyhow. The performace seems to be better, but I still encounter the same error

I went back to Genius bar and the guy said "if you really have problems when working with your MBP, then we could envisage replacing your HDD" But he insisted that its an expensive affair and not required as per the diagnosis done by "apple" certified tools.
Hmmm

So am really wondering if I should invest in Diskwarrior which could perhaps find a cure for this error code?
If you are wondering "what issue(s) am facing exactly" - Well, a silly issue I must say. Everytime I try to drag and drop files between drives or applications, it gets locked ! Meaning, I can drag, but not drop and it stays that way unless I reboot the laptop. Its really an annoying issue :-/

Please bare with me if missed being precise on some aspects.......

Your views / feedback will be highly appreciated.

Thanks a lot !

 

[_brew]

so here's some things that might help you...

restoring from a time machine backup is not a clean install
if the problem was a software issue then that software issue can and most probably is replicated on the mirror of your data...the time machine backup

it's remotely possible you can restore your apps and personal data without encountering the error but not likely

if you want to be sure, do an actual clean install (nothing on the drive, install your OS from the dvd) and then check for any errors. you can try to selectively restore your stuff. if it were me, and I was able to restore my personal documents and pictures I'd cut my losses and reinstall the applications regardless of how much of a hassle that would be


finally, comparing the cost of disk warrior to current hard drives there's no reason to spend $100 dollars on it when you can buy a huge rotational drive (or a decent sized 1st or 2nd generation ssd that would max the speed of your 2009 serial port) for less money. Plus you can even buy a $10 usb case and put your old hard drive in it and use that for backups or movies/non-critical data whathaveyou.

the only reason to buy disk warrior for that price would be to try and retrieve critical data off a dying disk. you can pick it up from software deals or deal of the day type sites for $15-30 bucks. so if you really want it then wait for that kind of a deal.

 

[The Matrix]

interesting. To answer you question - yes, I did run an extended hardware test right after a clean install (and before restoration) To my bad luck, I do encounter the same error message.......

 

[_brew]

well I didn't Google your error because I assume you did and have determined that disk warrior has a strong chance of fixing it. if it's hardware then buy a drive for less but if youreally want to try dw then you can come by my house of you're near Orange county and I'll check it out. or you can mail your drive to me. if you have Apple care still demand a fix

 

[AQ_OC]

Is this "extended hardware diagnosis" part of OS X?

 

[The Matrix]

thanks for the offer mope54. Only that my apple care ended in July and I reside in a far continent....

AQ - yes, its the OS X hardware diagnosis done the old fashioned way by pressing D during the start-up (and with apple os x disc)