Drive Dying?

NexusK · 8 Apr 2016 at 17:17

Just had windows pop up and tell me it had detected a problem with the drive, using the error checking under properties > tools it said it's fine but i've just downloaded Crystaldisk and it's showing bad. I was transferring files to the drive when the windows message popped up, second hand drive just bought the other day from the MM.

Other than red = bad i've no idea what i'm looking at with this but i'm guessing the drive is kaput?

Edit - Opened Crystal disk again 10mins later and now it shows fine :confused:

wonko · 8 Apr 2016 at 17:42

I think what happened is that the read error rate (SMART attribute 01) temporarily exceeded the threshold value and the drive remorted a SMART error which windows reported to you.
It would be prudent to backup any data on the drive asap and then do a full disk diagnostics.

NexusK · 8 Apr 2016 at 18:08

Fingers crossed that's what it is, i've been pretty lucky with drives over the years. This was going to be a backup drive so losing data isn't an issue at the moment as there's still a copy on the original drive.

I've done the short test with the Hitachi tools and it's clear, i've just started the long test off that looks like it'll take a while.

Edit - the long test on HGST tools came back as a pass too.

Boogieman_WD · 11 Apr 2016 at 15:12

Hey there, NexusK.

It's probably what @wonko mentioned. It's awesome that it passed the long test as well. You could try it out with a different SATA port and cables and keep an eye on it to see if anything unusual comes up. You could also test it with a different 3rd party diagnostic tool, just to make sure that everything is fine for your personal consolation.

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD

wonko · 11 Apr 2016 at 15:51

Hi NexusK & Boogieman_WD,
I'm a bit surprised it passed the tests (born pessimist!), but I suppose it's possible that it was a false report or a temporary glitch. l'd be running some more diagnostics just to get some confidence in the drive before using it though. Doing a few checkdisk runs with scanning for bad sectors may be a good start, or Passmark's DiskCheckup can initiate the disk's SMART self-tests.

Purgatory · 11 Apr 2016 at 18:51

NexusK ,

Make sure the sata cable you used is good, if you have another try another cable. Also make sure the Sata Data cable is seated correctly at both ends motherboard and drive.

If you get any other strange errors make sure to try another known working Sata port on the motherboard.

The drive is 100% healthy mate, It's never shown any errors and had a full surface scan before I sold it to you and the Hitachi health full test.

darael · 11 Apr 2016 at 23:04

This is where HD Tune Pro will be useful to you, NexusK. Run an error scan, making sure that quick scan isn't ticked - when complete you will have a speed map which help to identify weak areas of the drive.

If you have nothing on the drive, I would finish off by filling the drive with zeros and with using erase with verification enabled. If both of these pass with no substantial change in the SMART data, I would be happy that the drive is in full working order.