How seriously should one take a S.M.A.R.T error?

Other than the S.M.A.R.T error at boot, my HD isn't showing any signs of distress.

I have run a couple different utilities and it appears there is a consensus. I have redundancies in place to avoid data loss. System Backup/Image already prepped. I don't shutdown/boot anymore.

But I'm upset considering the drive is less than 2 years old. Manufacturer warranty/OEM support useless, 3rd Party support still in effect.

My only concern - The 3rd Party Support has questionable integrity.

Thanks for the reassurance and suggestions - rep for you

On that checklist I have ran the Seatools (seagate) diagnostic along with HDtools / Disk Checkup and all get a Reallocated Sector Count or SMART Failed

So I'm convinced with these initial assessments that this is an actual error and may result with a HD failure. I can get the HD replaced, but like I said - the 3rd party support thing has me on the iffy. Ya see this was an OEM system bought out of dire necessity, all stock. Once my warranties were up I was going to start "increasing" it's capabilities. It's getting my trust up to par to get the new HD - as long as the technicians are honest, it's not a matter of if but when.

My system is nicely configured to where I want and need it for now, starting over would suck. Not sure if my Sys Image would help with that.

oh snap - I did look for ghosting software and am surprised this didn't pop up?!

I didn't want to venture into questionable waters with this kind of thing. Have you or someone you know work with this?

wow, thanks - you get a high five as well

mr pc said:

oh snap - I did look for ghosting software and am surprised this didn't pop up?!

I didn't want to venture into questionable waters with this kind of thing. Have you or someone you know work with this?

Imaging (or 'ghosting') your HD may seem a little complicated, but is really is quite intuitive these days. Here is a link to a post with several free imaging programs:

How to perfectly clone my HD...HELP...

WD also offers a free download (believe it is an Acronis version also). Reading through the thread at the link above may provide some help as well. I myself have used the paid version of Acronis for many years.

You will, however, need another HD (in the system, on a network or external). You cannot place a copy of the disk you are copying on the disk you are copying (if that makes sense...). You must copy it elsewhere.

If you don't have another disk, well, they are pretty cheap these days. It's not viable to copy the image to optical disk. It takes way too long and is an error prone process. The reality is that you will benefit from having another disk you can keep backups on anyway.

Good luck!

James

Once again thanks for the insight and links

I was well aware of the cloning/ghosting process considering I have done it in the past for appraisal software company....unfortunately been out of that loop for over 6 years.

I can go and get the 3rd party support - it's a free HD, but my concerns is with if they do a poor job I don't think I'll come back a happy customer. If something goes wrong I'd rather it be my doing...Sucks though - I paid for their service but have read/heard some horror stories and just can't conjure up the trust, eh it's a free drive!?!?!

I'm torn.

thanks!