Errors from Diagnostics test: hitachi hard drive failed diagnostics tests

[Moonman2727]

My computer is a HP Pavilion 6500 series; Windows 7 64 bit; 18 months old.  Got the following error messages from a HP Diagnostics test: Hitachi hard drive failed diagnostics tests: random seek test; funnel seek test; surface scan test. Please advise.  Do I need to replace the hard drive?

[DavidPK]

Hi,

The test results would definitely indicate the HDD is failing and needs to be replaced.   If you can still boot into Windows Ok, I would strongly recommend backing-up all your personal files etc as soon as you can.

Regards,

DP-K

[Moonman2727]

David,

Thank you for the warning and recommendation.  I have a back-up drive and I'll plan on keeping backed up.  Any recommendations on who to call to help me with swapping out this hard drive?  I assume this means I'll have to reinstall all software as well?  Sounds like a nightmare.

Pete

[DavidPK]

Hi Pete,

It's actually suprisingly straight forward to replace the Hard Drive yourself - could you post back with the following.

1.  The specific Model No. of your 6500 series PC - see the list Here.

2.  The capacity of the HDD that's failing ( ie 500Gb, 750Gb etc ).

3.  You mention you already have a back-up drive, is this an external HDD you connect to the PC?

Regards,

DP-K

[Moonman2727]

David, thanks for the help and advice...  I went ahead and scheduled a tech to visit my home and assist in the installation and transfer of software and files.  I didn't want to mess around with it and I felt it would be worth it to have an expert oversee the file transfer.  I've ordered a WD 1 TB drive (Black) to replace my Hitachi 1 TB drive that is failing.  I'm disappointed in my HP Pavilion (maybe I should reserve this just for Hitachi) -- it's less than 18 months old so this is a big hassle and frustration. But thanks again.

[DavidPK · Accepted solution]

Hi Pete,

You're welcome.

It's difficult to say exactly why the HDD has started to fail and there's always an element of chance involved - I've known some HDDs fail after a few weeks while others can carry on quite happily far longer than would be expected.

Best regards,

DP-K