"SMART hard disk check has detected an imminent failure"

[GRETHEL]

All of the sudden my laptop has this black screen with the above message. It also tells me to backup the content immediately and run the Hard Disk test in System Diagnostics. First how can I back up anything since I cannot get past the black screen? Second when I run the Hard Disk test (quick or extensive), it tells me Smart check and Short DST not available. 

I am not an expert in computers, but when I bought this back in early 2013 the first thing I did was make a recovery disk, it only did the Repair disc and no others. Since it was newer than the one I had before that made 5, I thought is all I needed, but when I insert it does not work. 

This is running Windows 7, not really sure if is a 32 or 64 bit sorry. It is an i7 and has an SSD. I went all out on this computer when I bought since I detest Windows 8. Spent a little over $1100.00, so I would appreciate any help.

[aks3621]

Hi, 

Thank you for posting your concern on the Support Forums and sorry about the issue you are having. F2 Test on HDD giving error message – SMART Check not installed Short DST not installed means that the HDD is not getting detected by the computer you might want to go to BIOS by tapping F10 and check if you see HDD listed. If not then yes HDD is not getting detected at all by the unit. I’m not sure how comfortable you are tearing down the unit to reseat the parts. But if you are, you might want to reseat the HDD, if that works well and good, if not nothing much can be done as either the HDD or the cable connecting the HDD to the Motherboard has gone bad, or I’m sorry you mentioned its SSD so it brings us down to replacing the SSD itself.

The recovery media is not going to work as the Hardware component on which the recovery media would install the operating system itself is not getting detected on the unit. 

Please write us back in case you would need any further assistance we would be happy to help. Or if the unit is in warranty call HP Tech Support at 1-800-474-6836, they will guide you further.

To check the warranty status here use this link-

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/weInput?cc=us&lc=en.

Although I work for HP but I'm speaking for myself.

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

Regards

Aks3621

[GRETHEL]

Thank you for the reply.  I am not that comfortable opening up the laptop, it is not my expertise. I wish there was a video I could watch to see how is done. I will , however, do the other things you suggested right after the holidays to see if it will work. I want to save the life of this laptop as I even invested to have the non-glossy screen.

I have been reading some forums and it appears as if I will need another hard drive. Do these not have warranties close to ten years? In addition, how can I upload Windows 7 and my Microsoft Office, plus other software that came with laptop since all I have is one repair disc?

Should I invest in the meantime on an usb SATA hard drive cable?  Does it matter what kind for a solid state drive?

Thank you aging for taking the time to help me.

[GRETHEL]

I have yet to work on this issue, as I have been getting by with another laptop, that has issues itself as well.

I need to get on with this since having Windows 10 at work is not an OS that I am liking.  Frankly, I find Wind 7 so much user friendly, in addition this laptop cost an arm and a leg for me (learned my lesson to not do that again).

If I do as you suggest, open the laptop to reset the part, is there a video I can watch telling me how to do so?  Am afraid, taking it to someone may be too expensive.

Sorry for the late reply.