HP TE01 SSD Hard drive "C" threatening short life. What do I do?

[Pete007Query]

I don't know if this will show up so I'll put it in again:

HP TE01-014 desktop with SSD "C:" Drive 'SK hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG-831' is threatening that 4% of life remaining. This SSD carries my operating system and related stuff.

*Should I be worried?

* What should I do?

*May I image that drive to a USB 1TB drive that has plenty of room (only 204Gigs needed, I think), boot from there and ignore the SK?

*Other options?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[NonSequitur777]

@Pete007Query,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

I'll be as succinct as possible:

1.) Yes. These kinds of messages usually do not show up randomly, though it is quite unusual to see this message related to M.2 NVMe SSDs.

2.) Using File Explorer, right-click on your C: drive, then left-click on Properties, left-click on Tools, and select Optimize, and again Optimize your C: drive.  Once completed, what does it say under "Current status"?  -Regardless, the mere possibility that your M.2 NVMe SSD could be compromised -and failing, would be reason enough to replace it ASAP in my opinion.

3.) This is what I would do: purchase a new M.2 NVMe SSD such as a Crucial P3 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD (p/n: CT1000P3SSD8) or a Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD (p/n: MZ-V7S1T0B/AM) and purchase a USB to M.2 NVMe SSD adapter such as this purchase example: Amazon.com: ELUTENG M.2 to USB Adapter M.2 NVME/NGFF Hard Drive USB3.1 Gen2 10Gbps USB to NVME PCI-E.... Then install the new M.2 drive in the adapter, plug it in your desktop, and clone your C: drive using Macrium Reflect Free to your new M.2 drive.  Once completed, shut down your desktop and unplug from power, push your power button for a couple of seconds to discharge any remaining power, remove the old M.2 and install your new M.2 drive.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Pete007Query]

Thank you, NonSeq!

I have tried to follow your amazingly succinct instructions to the letter.

The parts are on order, to arrive tomorrow. 

All I need to do now is not screw up.  

I hope I don't have to bother you again, but I shudder to think how much dust I will have to oh so carefully remove from inside my tower.

With great respect,

Pete

[NonSequitur777]

@Pete007Query,

No worries, will be there for you.

Here is a primer how to use Macrium: follow the instructions provided in this helpful YouTube User video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LoRg0AFBKI, and here is the Macrium Reflect 8 Free download link: https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree, go to: Reflect 8 Free 30-Day Trial, and click on the "Download Free Trial" button, as spelled out in the video.

Back to the referenced YouTube instructional video: pay particular attention to the instructions provided starting at timestamp 3:40: the "Float Right" and "Layout" functions, in order to merge unallocated space on your new Primary (OS) M.2 NVMe SSD partition.

Overall, the M.2 NVMe SSD cloning should be a piece of cake, but don't hesitate to reach out if necessary.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Pete007Query]

Hello NonSeq,

I just wrote a status report to you, tried to attach a screenshot. And the whole thing disappeared. 

Did it go to you? (I wasn't quite finished)

Thank you for your expertise. 

Pete

[NonSequitur777]

@Pete007Query,

Haven't seen it but looking forward seeing the status report: when you do a screenshot, paste it in MicroSoft Paint, "cut" (or copy) the area you want to share, then right-click in your reply window, and paste the image.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Pete007Query]

Hi again friend,

I ran optimize as you had requested. Result: "OK".

A little background may help you help me if this conversation continues:

I am a long retired, 90 year old, now semi-invalid electro-mechanical design engineer. Way way back in the 60's and 70s my "boys" and I designed and developed some of the world's very first large scale integrated circuits (chips now) for National Cash Register's very first fully electronic cash register - so I know a little bit but mostly at the chip design and layout level.  Ever since the early eighties though I have been more of a computer user than developer.

Somewhat disabled as I am - I can't even get down on my knees anymore - so I have called the Best Buy Geek Squad. I think my main worry is all the dust that must be in that 11-12 year old tower.  I don't have a proper vacuum for it and I don't want to risk damaging anything in there.

The parts were ~$90 and the Geeks want $130 for a home visit which will be on May 2nd - but oh man it took more than 20 minutes just to get through to a real person.  The guy who took the order, after a lengthy session of answering his questions, did not leave me with a whole lot of confidence. They'd better be good!

I hope you don't disapprove of this approach but if you have a better idea it's not too late to change things.

THANK YOU for your expertise and kind help!

Pete

[Pete007Query]

[NonSequitur777]

@Pete007Query,

Yea, this is definitely not a message you want to disregard. As a precautionary measure, see if you can back up any files/data you don't want to lose on a flash drive or external (SSD) drive.

Best Buy's Geek Squad? Let's just say that I hope you get someone who knows what they are doing and actually cares to fix your issue fast and reliably. And one who speaks comprehensible conversational English.  But I understand the comfort of a home visit, I get that.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[NonSequitur777]

@Pete007Query,

And lest I forget, if you are comfortable opening up your desktop by sliding off your access panel, why not use compressed ('canned') air to blow out all the dust bunnies that you'll likely find inside your case.

Here is a how-to YouTube instructional video: Removing & Replacing Parts | HP ENVY Desktop TE01-000 | HP Computer Service | @HPSupport - YouTube.

Kind regards,

NonSequitur777