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How do I scan my hard disk for physical problems in Ubuntu?

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i could have swore that the ubuntu installer disk gives you an option to scan just from the installation/boot menu. – djangofan Aug 11 '09 at 21:45
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You probably want to use "badblocks".

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You can use 'SMART' scan which should be available to you in Ubuntu. SMART is a program that analyzes data that is built in to most new hard drives. While this wont give you a full picture, SMART is the first place to look when you think you might be having issues. Also, back up your data ASAP!

here is a link to more information and some general usage regarding smartctl:

http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/linux-find-out-if-harddisk-failing.html

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Another way could be to use a bootable CD/USB stick with some dedicated SW ..

look here (on ServerFault!) for some suggestions.

I always use SpinRite, but it is $$-ware and not Ubuntu/OSS ..

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however once you get the spinrite disk made it will work with any OS. It is agnostic to the OS, as long as you have your computer able to boot from a CD. – Matt Jul 13 '09 at 16:30
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