Trying to determine if my Hard Drive is faulty

[BigD_NC]

I posted a similar thread  in the OS/Recovery forum because I can't get my system to boot - but I wanted to post here with a specific question on the hard drive.

I am having problems getting my laptop to boot.  I followed some instructions here which included performing the system quick test.  The portion of the results I'm questioning are below:

- Hard Drive SMART Check : RECOMMENDED ACTION - Executing DST...

- Hard Drive Short DST Check: : NOT AVAILABLE

But the entire System Quick Check "PASSED".  Am I reading this correctly that the diagnostics couldn't check the hard drive but still passed the check?  Are there any tests I can run to determine conclusively that the hard drive needs replacing?

Thanks in advance.

[iomare · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Most likely the Hard Drive has failed as the system is not even able to perform the test on it. (not available)

If you provide the exact model or product number I can provide a guide to replace the drive. You most likely could even upgrade to an SSD which would give a boost to system performance.

Here is how to find it

model

Hope it helps,

David

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[BigD_NC]

Thanks, the model is:  Pavilion x360, model m3-u101dx.

Out of curiosity - any idea why the diagnostics would indicate "PASSED" if it was not able to test a component?  

[iomare]

It might have passed the smart test and the DST test was not performed. The short DST test is the "real" hardware test.

In any case, you can take this opportunity to upgrade the notebook. Replacing the Hard Drive with an SSD will give a great boost to the everyday performance of the notebook.

Something like the Samsung 860 Evo or Crucial MX500 would be great. You can get of your desired capacity.

Ex:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Inch-Internal-MZ-76E1T0B-AM/dp/B078DPCY3T/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keyword...

On page 43 of service manual you can see the steps to replace the drive

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05226489

Guide to reinstall Windows

Download media creation tool from Microsoft on PC (different PC), run and create a bootable pendrive with the OS on it. (there is an explanation on the Microsoft web page on how to create the pendrive). Create the drive with Windows 10 Home 64-bit edition. Windows will automatically activate once installed and connected to the Internet.

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

If you choose this option you will need to use the pendrive to perform a clean install of Windows 10. You might need to disable fastboot and secure boot in BIOS (probably not). So, insert the pendrive in the PC and it should boot directly from the drive. If not, turn off the PC by holding the power button. Press the power button and immediately keep pressing ESC until the startup menu appears and then press F9 and choose the pendrive in the boot menu. Once it boots from pendrive follow the procedure to install Windows.

When finished installing allow Windows to completely update and find all or most drivers. You can follow this process by going into settings > Security and update > click on Verify for updates. You might need to reboot a couple of times.

 I recommend installing HP support assistant which will help keep your drivers up to date and much more. You can download the latest version from here.

https://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/hpsupportassistant/hpsupport.html

Once completely updated you can go into device manager and see if there are any missing drivers (there will be yellow exclamation mark next to the device). You can find these drivers and software on HP support page for your product.

Hope it helps,

David

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Please click on accept as solution if answered your question

[BigD_NC]

Thanks again but one quick question - how can I determine what size SSD I need?  Right now I have a 500GB hard drive and this laptop is used for my son's school work and occasional gaming (flight sim).

And since I'll have the "hood" open, is it a good time to upgrade the RAM?  Right now it has 6 GB DDR4-2133 SDRAM (1 x 2 GB, 1 x 4 GB), is it a good time to swap out the 2GB for a 4GB?

[iomare]

I think a 500GB will be fine and the extra RAM is a good idea. I like to have at least 8GB in my machines. The notebook will support up to 16GB of DDR4 2400MHz RAM. The RAM runs at 2133MHz.

Ex:

https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/hp---compaq/pavilion-x360-m3#memory

Your son will be real happy with the SSD upgrade as it will make the notebook feel like new, actually the everyday performance will be really noticable.

Regards,
David

[BigD_NC]

Sorry for the rudimentary questions but - if the factory installed RAM is 2133MHz, is there an issue with putting in the 4GB DDR4-2400.  I'm assuming no, but wanted to confirm.

[iomare]

Yes. It will work, you can insert faster RAM and it will run at 2133MHz.

Take care,

David