Windows detected a hard disk problem

[Dzomlija]

Has anybody seen this error message before:

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And does anyone know how to determine what the actual failure is, and what to do about it, other than the obvious (Backup the data and replace the drive).

Thing is, the drive still works (I'm currently moving important data off, just to be sure), but the retailer from which I purchased it WILL NOT exchange it under warranty while it still works, even if it is being reported as failing. They're waiting for it to give up completely.

Any suggestions?

 

[Orbital Shark]

There are several HDD test apps available but the last time I had this message pop up I was using Vista Ultimate on my Laptop and a few days later my HDD cr*pped out completely. I think the motor burnt out or something as it would click once when turned on then...nothing.

 

[Orbital Shark]

I would perform the backup (if you have extra storage available) as piece of mind, then when it goes t*ts up you can tell them "told you so".

 

[roban]

I would run chkdsk /r on the drive. If it's a sector issue it can be repaired. if it's a physical issue it cannot.

 

[Bill2]

This looks like a Seagate hdd. Run Seatools (all the tests) and see what those say. Save a copy of the results, that'll help get it replaced. You can run other generic tests too and save the results. I wouldnt go by windows meassages alone, though it makes sense to backup important data.

 

[Fayla]

That's a real calculated business move there. They probably hope that the hard drive will limp along until it goes out of warranty, then they won't have to deal with you anymore and incur no financial loses therein. Personally, I wouldn't buy anything from that retailer again.

...but the retailer from which I purchased it WILL NOT exchange it under warranty while it still works, even if it is being reported as failing. They're waiting for it to give up completely.

 

[DeaconFrost]

You are doing the proper first step, which is to back up the data. Then, run some of the OEM diag tools, such as the ones from Western Digital, if it is a Western Digital....etc. Then, if you get any failure codes, and the retailer isn't going to help you with an instant replacement, go right to the maker of the drive. If it was purchased inside of a pre-built computer, then they are your only option.

 

[Dzomlija]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'll doesnload an run the Seagate utilities a little later, as right now I have an appointment that I need to get to...

 

[OldMX]

Get the freeware version of HDTune, check the S.M.A.R.T. tab and see whats the error.

 

[mowerman]

I'd run all of the tests from Seagate and then tell the retailer ,in no uncertain terms, that the next time you need any computer parts you'll be buying them off of the internet.

 

[Dzomlija]

I'm just lucky the drive is still under warranty. Here's the log from SeaTools:

--------------- SeaTools for Windows v1.2.0.4 ---------------
08/11/2010 19:24:49
Model: ST31500341AS
Serial Number: 9VS22LFY
Firmware Revision: CC1H
SMART - FAIL 08/11/2010 19:24:49
SeaTools Test Code: B2DCDF45
SMART - FAIL 08/11/2010 19:25:42
SeaTools Test Code: B2DCDF45
Short DST - Started 08/11/2010 19:27:18
Short DST - FAIL 08/11/2010 19:27:34
SeaTools Test Code: B2DCDFE5
Identify - Started 08/11/2010 19:27:41
Long DST - Started 08/11/2010 19:28:43
Long DST - FAIL 08/11/2010 19:30:08
SeaTools Test Code: B2DCDFF5
Long Generic - Started 08/11/2010 19:45:05
Long Generic - FAIL 08/11/2010 19:45:39
SeaTools Test Code: B2DCDFD5

 

[Bill2]

Wow! all tests failed. RMA. Good the drive's under warranty.