Is Your Windows Hard Drive Good?

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Is Your Windows Hard Drive Ready for Linux?

Before migrating to Linux Mint with Jackjump’s Windows to Linux Migration Tool, ensure your hard drive is healthy. A failing drive can cause data loss or installation issues.

Check Hard Drive Health

In Windows 10 or 11, use the SMART tool:

  • Open Command Prompt (search “cmd” in the Start menu).
  • Run wmic diskdrive get status.
  • If the status is “OK,” your drive is healthy. If “Pred Fail” or other errors appear, replace the drive before migrating.

Hard drives typically last 3-5 years under normal use. Older PCs (5+ years) are at higher risk of failure. Consider installing a new drive for Linux Mint and using the old drive as the copy drive for migration.

Repair the File System
  • Open Command Prompt (Run as administrator).
  • Run chkdsk /f.

Scheduling and running this maintenance on system restart ensures the file system's integrity by fixing logical errors, corruption, or inconsistencies (like "orphaned files" or a "dirty" bit). A clean file system reduces the risk of encountering read errors or copying corrupted data.

Why It Matters

A healthy drive ensures a smooth installation and reliable performance. Jackjump’s tool requires a spare drive to copy your Windows files during installation. Check your C:\Users folder size (right-click, Properties) and ensure the spare drive has enough space.

Download the Migration Tool for $9.99