@mk It is done! the original 'bad' disk (369 bad blocks) now only has one. It now has three partitions: one *before* the original area with the bulk of bad sectors, now error-free; one "over" the original area with bad blocks, now with just one bad block (recorded); and one after the bad area, also error-free. Provided I regularly check for bad blocks (non-destructively), it's safe to use this drive again. #missionaccomplished #educational, too :-) \o/