Abstract: A method for precisely locating and correcting data errors on a magnetic storage disk with a recording head, e.g. an MR head, in the presence of thermal asperities, scratches, or other data signal degradation causes is set forth. The method includes the steps of reading a sector of data and collecting ECC syndromes. At the same time, data errors may be detected and their proximate location determined, whereupon an ECC process is applied for correction of the errors. In the event the detected data errors are not correctable by the ECC, the method repetitively redefines the detected data error location and applies Forney's ECC erasure correction algorithm to each repetition. These repetitions are carried out a predetermined number of times until the data is corrected or the correction attempts are exhausted.