SMART Hard Disk Error 301/303

[LouCregan]

I have a Compaq Presario CQ62 and I bought it half way through 2010 (so the warranty is still good). I've only been using it for checking emails, doing school work and watching youtube.

When I tried to turn my computer on recently, the screen came up telling me that there was a problem with my hard disk. It said that my hard disk had encountered Error 301 and then told me to run the hard disk test. When I ran that it got stuck part way though the 'Quick Test' saying they had encountered Error 303. 

Now my computer won't go past that point. I rang HP and they said that I had to get it replaced, but I don't know if I should just take it to them or get my retailer to run the tests for me to see if there is another problem, or if my retailed can fix the problem with my current Hard Disk. 

What should I do?

Thanks for the help!

[Knute]

Have HP swap the drive.

[adin0wens]

1. I get the same error code.  Eventually, the drive would not even load windows, and recovering prog. didn't do anything either. Just get a friend to burn you a windows 7 disk. I payed 800 for a branmdnew computer, screw that, get someone to burn you a disk. My opinion, they have a prog that crashes windows, to force you to either buy a win 7 disk, or hard drive, for once the cust. got one off on their {Content Removed: Language Filter Evasion}

[sarvjeet333]

what can i do for that problem error 303

[Snapper77]

i got the same problem with my HP Pavilion G4-1003TX, Just like LouCregan

"When I tried to turn my computer on recently, the screen came up telling me that there was a problem with my hard disk. It said that my hard disk had encountered Error 301 and then told me to run the hard disk test. When I ran that it got stuck part way though the 'Quick Test' saying they had encountered Error 303."

what should i do? still have the waranty time.. but what will happen to my data?? is it gone?

[DavidPK]

@snapper77,

As your notebook is still under warranty, you definitely want to contact HP and get them to replace the HDD.

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

[Snapper77]

i already try that, but the hdd isn't detected.. i only need to back up some important data, but i don't know what else i could do... T-T

[DavidPK]

@snapper77,

Another option would be to remove the HDD and mount it in an External Caddy such as the example on the link below - then connect this to another PC and see if you can retrieve your files this way.

http://www.amazon.com/SATA-Hard-Drive-Case-Enclosure/dp/B001AAVA08/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1331910884...

Regards,

DP-K

[Gunsports]

4 month old HP pavilion, just crashed. Diagnostics says passes CPU, Hard Drive & boot tests, fails SMART test, error 303. What can I do? Need machine quick!

[WillyS]

Weird.. My 3 month old HP Pavilion P7 1245 also got the same error. I get the blue screen everytime I turn on my computer. After running a diagnostic vision test, everyone also passed except for S.M.A.R.T, which gave an error 303. Sucks how my computer will need repairs after only 3 months of being used. My computer is now being sent to HP's repair centre.