Hard Drive issues & Windows - Delayed Write Failed???

[Archman]

Hi,

I've come across a recent issue with a computer (a laptop) that was running Windows XP Pro, and it was decided to switch back to Windows 200 Pro, as the laptop only maxes out at 256 MB of memory. Perofrmance is an issue, hence the switch down to Windows 2000.

Now, the computer has been acting funny, and when I wiped Windows XP and reformated for Windows 2000, it took a heck of a long time! There were also issues of certain files not being able to be installed, and I kept getting messages pertaining to hardware issues creating errors.

I also now see an issue of the Hard Drive when I power the laptop on, and the message states:

SMART Failure Predicted on Hard Disk 0: Hitachi_DK23EA-30

WARNING: Immediately back-up your data and replace your hard disk drive. A Failure may be imminent.

Press F1 to continue

Now is it safe to assume that the hard drive is damaged and it be best to get a replacement? What can cause these symptoms?

Thank you,
Archman

 

[Archman]

I am running chkdsk C: /r to see if some things can be resolved. Another big issue is the noises coming from the hard drive... it seems to be clicking when it hangs now.

Thank you for your help and insight

 

[Smilin]

I don't say this too often: don't run that chkdsk.

Stop everything and back up your data. If you have trouble reading to perform the backup THEN run chkdsk.

A SMART failure + delayed write failures (or any 5x system event) = that drive is dying and may only have a few boots or reads left in it.

 

[BadThad]

Originally posted by: Smilin
I don't say this too often: don't run that chkdsk.

Stop everything and back up your data. If you have trouble reading to perform the backup THEN run chkdsk.

A SMART failure + delayed write failures (or any 5x system event) = that drive is dying and may only have a few boots or reads left in it.

Indeed, I've never seen a SMART warning turn out to be BS. That drive is near death.

 

[Archman]

Cool, that is what I wanted to know. Because I've never seen the SMART warnings before, I've just had HDs go BOOM on me in the past.

What can lead to a SMART warning, physical damage to the Optical Disk inside the HD, or age, or wear and tear?