Storage issue or warning of HD Failure? Different Error Codes all receiving same answer in community

[JBinMD]

Hello, the last couple of times my laptop has restarted to an error message stating "The SMART hard disk has detected an iminent failure", however, for the most part my laptop is running okay. I did run diagnostics which came back with a failure on the Short Drive Self-Test. Everything else passed, except for the battery test, which was skipped for some reason. After searching for the error code, it seems every error code for this failure is different but is answered with 2 variants of the same answer. If the poster states they can't boot at all, "You need a new hard drive". If the poster states they can still use their computer, "You are going to need a new hard drive". If this is correct, how much time do I have? I have created a back-up (today, in the absence of finding specific answers), but do not want to be without a computer at all - I have only one. Will I be able to use this for a week? A month? 

This is the error code: 6APM7G-7J499M-MFPWL1-60QH13, if anyone has any new information, work-arounds, etc., it/they would be much appreciated!

Thank you!

[Huffer]

The failure ID translator says:

Hard Disk 1 Quick Test Failure

every error code is different because it encodes your specific machine and the time the test was run and other parameters unique to that test. 

Sorry it seems so repetitive but an error with the hard drive can only be fixed by a new hard drive. There is no workaround. Hard drives are so delicate and work to such microscopic tolerances there is just zero leeway. You can buy a new hard drive. Order it online. You have already made a backup. You are ready to get back up and running as soon as the new hard drive arrives. We have helped hundreds through this and are happy to stay with you until it is done. 

I think you can assume you have at least a week to keep using the laptop with this hard drive but as soon as I tell you that it will crash completely and immediately. It's very hard to say, I'm afraid. 

[JBinMD]

Hi Huffer, thank you for the reply. So my options are indeed only buy a new hard drive, or buy a new computer.  If choosing a new hard drive, do you happen to know where I can the find specific part numbers I will need, and instructions moving forward? Thank you for taking the time to help!

[Huffer]

You have a 1 TB 5400 rpm 2.5 inch wide and 9.5 mm thick hard drive now. A direct replacement is going to cost about $45-60. If you had Windows 10 on the laptop a reinstall disk is a free download from Microsoft. I mean you can certainly buy a new laptop. I love new laptops. However, throwing yours away over a $60 repair seems pretty wasteful. 

Your Service Manual

P. 69 shows how to on hard drive replacement. 

https://www.amazon.com/WD-Blue-1TB-Hard-Drive/dp/B071F9MLJJ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541463452&sr=8-3...

We can help you through this I guarantee it. Post back with any more questions and please accept as solution if its the info you needed. 

[JBinMD]

Thanks Huffer, I will update when part arrives.