A read error occurs when performing a read with a first read head. It is determined whether a second read head capable of use in a read-while-write operation runs within or outside of a first track. The second read head width defines a verified area on a track. If the second read head runs entirely within the first track, the first read head is positioned within the verified area. If the second read head runs partly outside of the first track, and a portion of the verified area within the first track is wider than the width of the first read head, the first read head is positioned within the portion of the verified area that is within the first track. If the portion is not wider, the first read head is positioned so that a side of the first read head is at a border the first track.