Smart hard disk error? Any advice?

[Tks5058]

Hi, when I start my computer it displays a message that the smart hard disk check has detected an imminent failure. When I attempt to run the Hard disk test in system diagnostics, it fails to run the test. Looks like the hard drive is fried??? Any ideas on how to boot the computer or fix the hard drive ?

And If indeed it is fried then should I buy a new hard drive or a whole new laptop? The laptop is a HP-dv5 and it is not under warranty and already has motherboard and battery replaced .

[DavidPK]

Hi,

It would look like your Hard Drive is failing and the only real solution is for it to be replaced.  I would definitely recommend making a back-up of all your personal files asap, just in case it does fail suddenly.

It's a straight forward procedure to replace the HDD and if you would like a guide on doing this yourself, please let me know - include the full Model No. and Product No. of the notebook ( from the service tag underneath your notebook ) - see Here for a further explanation.

Regards,

DP-K

[Tks5058]

Thanks... Was afraid That would be the answer...How would I go about backing up the files? I can't get windows to start, but I have a external hard drive that I connect to the USB drive to back up the files.

Also I was able to get to the Hp QuickStart or hp quickweb the other day but cannot now.

[DavidPK]

Hi,

One possible way to try and retrieve your files from a non-booting drive is to follow the process detailed in the link below.  The Ubuntu operating system CD you create can run from the CD alone ( ie it doesn't have to install on the Hard Drive ) and I've often found it to be successful in retrieving data even from a failing Hard Drive.  When you've created the CD, follow the instructions and see if you can back up your existing files. 

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windo...

Regards,

DP-K