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Question

How do I print a Diagnostics log?

Jul 17, 2016 9:03AM PDT

I’d like to know how to print out a Win 10 Diagnostics report.

My desktop is beginning to have lock-up problems. I ran the Diagnostics at boot-up, and in two places it told me that a certain block on the hard drive could not be read, and added, “replace hard drive.” I plan to do that. However, I’d also like to get a hard copy of the tests, and I didn’t see any buttons that gave me such an option. I assume that there is a log somewhere, and that I should be able to access it and print it, but I don’t have a clue how to do it. My concern is that if I buy a new drive and attempt the usual routine of mirroring the old drive onto the new one, the malfunction will foul up the mirroring process. I may want to have a professional service install the new drive. But if I do that, having a printed diagnostics log should help them figure out what to do, shouldn’t it?

Can anybody help me access that log?

NTG

Discussion is locked

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Answer
If you see it on screen.
Jul 17, 2016 11:31AM PDT

Just print screen and place that in some document.

I've never required a client to document this. I take their word.

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Um, aahhh. . .
Jul 17, 2016 12:40PM PDT

The whole diagnostic test (I used the symptom tree for "locks up") took several hours, and I'd prefer not to repeat it. I started a test earlier and aborted it, and the second time it repeatedly notified me that a previous log existed which could be used by a technician. Proceed with test? (I said yes, of course, until the whole test was finished). So, if a log exists somewhere, is there a way to get at it?
Of course, the main point is ensuring that a new drive is installed properly. Am I correct that an ordinary mirror process would be risky in this case? Should I have it done professionally? If so, will a test log be unimportant to them as long as they know that there is a block failure somewhere?

NTG

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I can't predict the future.
Jul 17, 2016 12:52PM PDT

I've cloned so many times that only in the really bad drives they fail. Sometimes we get lucky and I can't guess here.

The "pro" may try more than one way. They have no magic. For example I'll clone from internal to external and hope it goes. Then if fails I put the old drive external and clone to the internal. Worst case is I'll install the new drive, use restore media and then have the old drive in some USB case for the owner to copy over their files. Most owners will not pay the going 150 bucks a hour for us to do the copying of their files.

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So what do you advise?
Jul 17, 2016 1:16PM PDT

All my data is backed up on an external HD, so my concern is for the OS and programs that are on the drive. Should I just go ahead and buy a new drive and hope for the best? Perhaps it matters that when I boot up everything works normally for the first few minutes. Everything also seems to work fine in Safe mode. But after a few minutes in standard mode that little faux hourglass whirlygig pops up and performance degrades severely. If I persist, the computer soon locks up completely, and only holding the power switch can shut the computer down so I can start over. Is that a hopeful sign, or not?

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Why I would do that.
Jul 17, 2016 1:55PM PDT

Here, just last week I picked up these SSDs.

120GB = under 30USD.
230GB = under 45USD.
480GB = under 90USD.

All were sale items. The drive clone kit I use is the Apricom for under 30USD.

The local repair counter is 150USD min plus parts. So beyond my having run service shops, I always do it myself.

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Oh, wait. . .
Jul 17, 2016 2:12PM PDT

Drive clone kit? The last time I replaced a hard drive (a few years ago) I just hooked it up, left the old one in place (temporarily), and ran the included copying software. OS, programs, and files all transferred perfectly. Are things different now, or is this a case of special first aid for a damaged drive? (Granted, the clone kit is inexpensive and I found a good SSD on sale. I just want to be sure I'm doing things right.)

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The drives I picked up
Jul 17, 2016 2:28PM PDT

Did not include such so I use a clone kit and its software.

I can't answer if you are doing it right. All I can share is I'm on some hundred plus moves to SSD at the office and that's what I use. I'm sure there are dozens of ways to get it done.

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About that kit. . .
Jul 17, 2016 3:56PM PDT

Googling Apricorn EZ Gig IV, it says it's software. Would that need to be installed on my computer? And wouldn't that be problematic, given the condition of my hard drive? Or am I misunderstanding how Apricorn works? (I've never heard of it before today).

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It's on bootable CD.
Jul 17, 2016 4:08PM PDT

I think I have some USB version too. I use this since I'm working on so many laptops now and it takes up less space than my old setup.

The software is updated once in a while and so far updates have been free to download.

But hey, your choice on software. There are way too many web pages on cloning so I'm going to write what I use.

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Thanks for eveything
Jul 17, 2016 4:16PM PDT

I think I get it now. I'll go ahead and get the SSD, and add the Apricorn if it turns out I need it.

Many thanks. It seems (I cannot clearly remember any exceptions) that every time I submit a problem question, the first response has always come from Robert Proffitt. No matter what forum I use.

I'm glad you're there.

Nathanael