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Iomega Zip Disk

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by robbinsr 1 view

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
So here it is: Iomega makes available extra space in the case of bad sectors and so on. However, we need to wipe, clean, or access this space. Have you been able to do so, and in the case you have: What methods/utilities did you use?

14 replies

by penguinsrule

1) Did you try Norton's wipe utility?
2) Did you try Zip Tools?
3) Did you try a low level (Dos) format?

just ideas..

by robbinsr

Try to be a little more specific with your answer guys. Where to find it? maybe explain a little about the functions. I hate these minimum word answers.

by paul d. masley

The bst program that I have found is called BCWipe from Jectico. It will complete clean/wipe all unused space without touching the data that is already written. Question for you? Extra Space! Is this a trick question Mr. Robbins? No program that I know of will create extra space on a tape/disk unless compression is used.

Paul

by robbinsr

Paul (BC Wipe is a wonderful program, we use it all the time.) However if you take a zip disk. Fill it up completely, and then run a disk editor on it. You will notice some sectors at the end ot the disk that are not touched. Iomega claims these are placed there in case of bad sectors, but otherwise cannot be touched by any program. Which any computer guru knows. Anything is possible, so I'm trying to find out how to get to these sectors. I can view theb, but can't wipe, alter, or so on.

by lo

I think Iomega uses a propriatery disk format and access. It really isn't IDE, FD, etc. I would bet that even the Iomega utilities won't access. Getting to that is in the area of testing and Mfg diagnostics.

Might send to Iomega Tech Support if you haven't. I am assuming this is a security issue or something along those lines. Tell them that. They may do this but will likely charge.

And to a previous post - Yes there are some 'extra' storage to allow for replacement of bad / damaged areas and till retain full capacity. Don't remember if it considers the media bad once that is used or just starts decreasing the size. Jaz have same/similar I think, but, ... From memory 5-6 months back and my memory is getting worse every day.

by robbinsr

Yes, I have contacted them, but I wasn't in the mood to talk to a 16 y/o trying to read answers out of a book. I'm looking for an answer from a programmer, who ran into this problem and found a way around it. I have had alot of good responces from the hacker sites, but none solved the issue... I feel they are getting close...

by purple713

I have ran into this problem and I have not found a way to do this either. I think that is the one sector that they block. I wish I could have helped you more on this.

by lo

Might take a look at GRC.COM (Gibson Research Corp). Steve (owner/president+) did a lot of work with Zip and Jaz disk to determine if they were or would go bad. I think the program was called Trouble In Paradise (TIP). Did some really extensive testing (5+ hours per disk).

In the course of writing that, he may have run across something that would help you. May not answer your question, but ... I think there is a direct email on his home page.

by robbinsr

Yes, I have traveled that route with an e-mail back from Greg McIntyre saying Sorry, as far as we know there's nothing.

by robbinsr

I have contacted Iomega Tech Support and they confirmed the issue for both (Jaz & Zip Disks)

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