When a drive starts slowing down or behaves unpredictably, a diagnostic check can help determine whether the storage device may be involved. Seagate SeaTools for Windows scans connected drives, including hard drives and SSDs, and provides tests that vary in length and depth.
Which drive tests are available?
SeaTools identifies drives connected to the computer so a test can be run on the device in question. A short test provides a quicker check; a long test takes more time for a deeper scan. The program also examines the physical disk surface for issues that could affect drive operation.
- Choose a short test for a faster diagnostic check.
- Run a long test when a more extensive scan is needed.
Drive details and advanced checks
Alongside diagnostics, SeaTools can display identifying and health-related details such as a drive’s model, serial number, firmware, and SMART information. These details help distinguish among connected disks and provide context for the selected drive’s test.
An advanced test offers another diagnostic option, but some advanced checks may erase information stored on the drive. That possibility matters when selecting a test for a disk that contains files you need to keep.
Reading a diagnostic result
A practical workflow is to identify the target drive, choose the appropriate test, and use the resulting diagnostic information to assess whether the drive may be experiencing a problem. SeaTools covers internal and external drives, so the target can be a connected external disk as well as a computer’s installed storage.
Pros
- Detects connected drives, including external drives
- Offers short and long diagnostic tests
- Displays model, serial, firmware, and SMART information
- Examines disk surfaces for potential problems
Cons
- Some advanced tests may erase stored information
- Requires Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · 32-bit and 64-bit · Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 · Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable (included with setup) · VGA graphics capability, 1024×768 or higher · ARIALUNI.TTF font required to view Asian languages
Can SeaTools check an external drive?
Yes. It can identify connected external drives as well as internal drives.
What is the difference between a short and a long test?
The short test is quicker; the long test takes more time for a deeper scan.
What drive information does SeaTools show?
It can display the drive’s model, serial number, firmware, and SMART information.