I preface my inquiry by saying that I know practically nothing about Linux. That said, after reading about this procedure, I downloaded the full version of Knoppix v5.1 to cd and used it to retrieve data files from the hdd on my Compaq Presario 2103. I usually run Windows XP on my laptop, but it is unable to boot so I suspect the hdd has failed. However, before I replace it, I want to check out the drive to verify that it's dead.

Also, when I first booted Knoppix from cd and mounted hda1, there was some reference about it being a "dirty volume". What does this mean Can someone tell me how I go about running a disk diagnostic on the hdd using Knoppix?

Thank you.