Short Drive Self-Test

[Mom3W]

I just ran a system test and the Short Drive Self-Test failed (Failure ID M08GXT-000985-9XPG2K-60X013). My computer is most definitely out of warranty, so what does ths mean? Is it something serious?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The failure code means that you need to replace the hard drive and reinstall the operating system.

You can enter the code in the box at the link below to see if more information is available.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp

If you can still get into Windows, back up any files you don't want to lose as soon as possible.

[Mom3W]

Should I back up my hard drive or what. For ome reason I'm having a hard time backing it up. I just had a reminder the other day to back up my computer and I said remind me later now this happens and I can't get back tot he reminder. PLEASE HELP

[Paul_Tikkanen]

See if this guide is of help to you...

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17143/windows-10-back-up-your-files

Otherwise, what I do is go into my user profile, and copy and paste the folders (documents, favorites, music, pictures, etc) in that profile to a portable hard drive.

If nothing will respond, it is too late.

[Mom3W]

Everything is working perfect so getting that error was a shock to me.  So I shouldn't copy the OS (C:), only the folders? Also do you know the best hard drive to replace it with? 

[Mom3W]

I know I have a lot of questions but I know when I replace the hard drive my computer will basically be blank. How do I re-install Windows 10 because I won't have access to anything. 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

If you want to do a complete system image, you can use this free software to create one.

https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree?x-ca=blog

The software will also have you create a bootable DVD or USB rescue drive to boot from, so you can access the system image you created the portable hard drive.

But I also like to copy and paste those user profile folders to a portable hard drive in the event the system image doesn't work on a new hard drive.  Then it is just a matter of reinstalling the operating system and my programs.

Since you took the free upgrade to W10, you can use the media creation tool at the link below to reinstall W10 for free should you have to do so.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

You need an 8 GB flash drive for the tool to create bootable installation media.  Or you can save an ISO file and use the tool I zipped up and attached below to transfer the ISO file to a DVD.

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, check the 'Skip' box, and W10 will install and automatically activate once you are connected to the internet.

Hard drive...if your PC has the original hard drive, the specs state it is a 1 TB hard drive.

You would want to get one of the same size, so you can try to restore the system image you create onto the new drive.

Recommended replacement...

https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-BarraCuda-3-5-Inch-Internal-ST1000DM010/dp/B01LNJBA2I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=U...

[Mom3W]

Thank you so very much!! You have been a huge help!!! 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Glad to have been of assistance.