HP Desktop Disk Read Verify Error

[cutygr68]

During my recent diagnostic I ran due to my pc not wanting to boot up properly (booted to repair). I have a HP Desktop PC-870-210se. I received a Disk Read Verify Error that it failed on 3: ST2000DM001-1ER164. Fail ID: 9C72LF-000CAX-9XPJ21-66XB13. Failed to read sector 178420580. Any help diagnosing this would be appreciated. 

 

[Raj_05]

Hi @cutygr68,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

The error you’re encountering, "Disk Read Verify Error" with a failure ID and a specific sector, indicates a problem with your hard drive (ST2000DM001-1ER164), which is a Seagate 2TB HDD. The fact that it failed to read a specific sector suggests there may be bad sectors or an overall hardware failure.

Here’s how you can approach the issue.

Back Up Your Data (If Possible)

• Priority: If the drive is still accessible, back up any critical data immediately to an external drive or cloud storage. Failing drives can degrade quickly.
• How: Use a bootable USB or another computer to transfer files. Tools like Clonezilla or Acronis True Image can also help create an image of the drive.

Understand the Error Code

• Fail ID: The ID (9C72LF-000CAX-9XPJ21-66XB13) indicates a hardware failure detected by HP's diagnostic tool.
• Failed Sector: The mention of sector 178420580 suggests this specific part of the drive cannot be read. It could indicate physical damage or logical corruption.

Run Additional Diagnostics

• From HP BIOS/UEFI:
  • Restart the PC and press F2 to enter the Diagnostics menu.
  • Run the "Hard Drive Test" for a comprehensive scan.
• From Seagate Tools:
  • Download and run SeaTools on a bootable USB to analyze and possibly repair the drive.
• From Windows (if it boots):
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Run: chkdsk /f /r C: (replace C: with your drive letter if different). This may repair logical errors and mark bad sectors.

Plan for Replacement

• If diagnostics confirm the drive is failing, it’s advisable to replace it. For this system, you can consider:
  • A modern 2TB HDD for similar capacity (e.g., Seagate Barracuda or WD Blue).
  • An SSD for better performance, though SSDs are typically more expensive per GB.
• Ensure the replacement drive is compatible (SATA 3 interface).

[Raj_05]

Reinstall Windows

• After replacing the drive, reinstall Windows. Use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on the new drive.
• If your system included a recovery partition, you may need HP recovery media, which you can obtain from HP support.

Data Recovery (If Needed)

• If the drive is inaccessible and you need to recover data:
  • Use a professional data recovery service.
  • Or try software tools like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery.

Prevent Future Issues

• Consider setting up regular backups with tools like Windows Backup, OneDrive, or external drives.
• Monitor drive health periodically with tools like CrystalDiskInfo.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[cutygr68]

Thanks Alden4, I'm going to try your solution and see what I get. Being that it's a secondary HD why is it affecting my pc when it boots sometime, can't I just overlook it during the boot process?

[Raj_05]

Hi @cutygr68,

Thank you for your response, 

Here are some insights on why a failing secondary hard drive might affect your PC's boot process.

Check Boot Sequence in BIOS

• A failing secondary drive can sometimes confuse the system if it's mistakenly set as a higher priority in the boot order.
• Solution: Access BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F10, F2, or DEL during startup). Ensure your primary drive (where the OS is installed) is at the top of the boot priority list.

Use Advanced Disk Repair Tools

• If the secondary drive is causing issues but still somewhat accessible, try these:
  • Victoria for Windows or HDAT2: These tools offer low-level access to diagnose and repair sectors more comprehensively.
  • ddrescue (Linux-based): Creates an image of the disk while skipping bad sectors, which can be helpful for recovering data.
• Caution: Overuse of repair tools can stress an already failing drive and worsen its condition.

Disable the Secondary Drive Temporarily

• If the secondary drive isn’t critical for booting:
  • Disconnect the SATA cable from the secondary drive to see if the system boots without errors.
  • If the issue resolves, the secondary drive is confirmed as the culprit, and you can focus on recovery or replacement.

Inspect Power and Data Cables

• Loose or faulty SATA cables can lead to intermittent read errors. Swap the cables with known good ones and recheck.

Firmware Update for Hard Drive

• Visit Seagate’s support site to check for firmware updates for your ST2000DM001 drive. An outdated firmware can sometimes cause these errors.

SMART Analysis Beyond CrystalDiskInfo

• Use GSmartControl or smartctl (part of Linux's smartmontools) for deeper insight into the SMART attributes.
  • Pay attention to attributes like Reallocated Sector Count, Pending Sectors, and Uncorrectable Errors. High counts in these fields strongly indicate the need for immediate replacement.

Why the Secondary Drive Affects Boot

Even though it’s a secondary drive:

[Raj_05]

OS or Software Dependencies

• If certain critical system files or software (e.g., page file, user profiles, or applications) are stored on the secondary drive, it can cause boot delays or failures.

Disk Check During Boot

• Windows may attempt to verify the integrity of all connected drives during startup. A failing drive can introduce significant delays or errors during this process.

Drive Enumeration in BIOS

• The BIOS/UEFI checks all connected drives during POST (Power-On Self-Test). A failing drive might cause a timeout or delay while the system attempts to communicate with it.

Note:

Since diagnostics already confirm sector errors, and the drive shows signs of failure:

• Replace the Drive:
  • If the data is non-critical, prioritize replacing the drive over recovery efforts.
  • Opt for an SSD upgrade to improve overall system performance.
• Recovery Efforts:
  • If data is critical, disconnect the drive to avoid further damage and use professional recovery tools or services. 

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support

[cutygr68]

Thanks Alden4, I did run the chkdsk /f /r on all three drives. The F: drive and it deleted some corrupt attribute records, on 😧 drive which was fine, and then on C: drive. Then this morning, I see my F: is not even showing up on my system, did a reboot and only seeing C: and 😧 along with the Recovery E: How do I go about getting my F: drive back?

[cutygr68]

I was able to access the F: drive again, I'm in the process of copying that data to my 😧 drive. Afterwards I'll run the chkdsk /f /r again on it, and perhaps trying to re-format the drive afterwards.  I'm having an issue getting into the diagnostic menu, when I restart my pc, if I have my monitor powered up the system just beeps and I have to restart with the monitor off to get it to fully boot. I'll continue to try and break in using F2 or F10, or Del. I'd like to try and run a more comprehensive scan if possible before trying to replace the drive entirely.

[Raj_05]

Hi @cutygr68,

Thank you for your response, 

Since the issue persists and is causing instability during boot, let's approach it systematically.

Data Recovery (Critical)

• Ensure Data Backup:
  • Continue copying all essential data from the F: drive to a safe location. Use tools like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or TestDisk if the drive becomes inaccessible again.
  • Avoid running tools like chkdsk excessively on failing drives, as this can stress them further and accelerate failure.

Access Diagnostic Tools

• Get into the BIOS or Diagnostic Menu:
  • Your system’s behavior suggests a POST (Power-On Self-Test) issue, possibly caused by the failing drive.
  • Disconnect the secondary (F:) drive temporarily and attempt to access the BIOS using:
    • F10 for HP BIOS setup.
    • Esc key during boot to bring up the startup menu, then select BIOS setup or Diagnostics.
    • Use another known-good monitor or check cable connections if your current monitor setup interferes.

Comprehensive Disk Diagnostics

• Run Advanced Tools:
  • SeaTools for Windows: (Seagate’s official tool)
    • Perform a Long Generic Test to detect and repair bad sectors.
    • If errors are irreparable, replace the drive.
  • GSmartControl or smartctl (Linux):
    • Review SMART attributes, especially:
      • Reallocated Sector Count.
      • Pending Sectors.
      • Uncorrectable Sector Count.
  • Victoria for Windows: (Low-level diagnostics and repair for bad sectors).

Isolate the Drive from Boot Process

Update Boot Order:

• In the BIOS/UEFI, ensure that your C: drive is the only one prioritized in the boot sequence.
• Disable bootability for the F: drive if your BIOS allows.

[Raj_05]

Disconnect Drive for Testing:

• Temporarily disconnect the F: drive and test if the system boots reliably. If successful, this confirms the drive is causing delays during POST.

Repair or Reformat the F: Drive

• After Data Backup:
  • Reconnect the F: drive and run a full format (preferably via Disk Management or a bootable USB with partitioning tools like GParted).
  • Check the drive for health after formatting to see if it remains stable.

Replace the Drive if Necessary

If diagnostics show significant SMART errors or formatting fails:

1. Upgrade to an SSD: Use the opportunity to improve system performance. SSDs are more reliable and faster.
2. Migrate Data or Use Cloud Backup: Ensure all data is stored safely before replacing.

Advanced Tools & Tips

• HDD Firmware Update:
  • Check Seagate's website for any firmware updates for the ST2000DM001 drive.
• Data Recovery Software: If data loss occurs during diagnostics, tools like R-Studio or professional recovery services might help. 

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support