Hard disk "Short Self-test" failure.

[Hornet]

Recently, my WD 250GB hard disk had some problems where a 4gig video stops playing at some point. So, I just ran a software to check the hard disk and it reported 52 bad sectors. And when I run the short self-test, it failed with a message "Test Failed by read elemet"

Of course I'll be getting a new hdd soon to move my data there before sending it for RMA, but my concern now is with the short self test. From what I understand, it test the main component such as the head and servo. If this short self-test failed, would this indicate that I may possibly corrupt all the data that I will move out of it into the new drive?

ps: another question I have, is this common for WD brand? Its barely 2 years... Should I go for seagate instead?

Thank you for any help

 

[MisterSparkle]

Guess it's possible that the data will be corrupted when you copy it to a new drive. Not sure if there's any way around that though, just gotta try and hope for the best

 

[Joe Average]

The age of a hard drive really isn't relevant anymore. I've had brand new hard drives from the factory go tits up and the bearings freeze up tighter than a small block Chevy running a 400 mile track with no oil in the engine. It doesn't matter how old hte drive is.

What matters is it failing the Short Test; it's defective, period, so return it.

As for the next drive, that's your choice depending on your needs.