S.M.A.R.T error

[Comage]

Hi guys, I've got an IBM 10.14GB 14GXP model DTTA-351010 HDD with me. For no apparent reason, this HDD just suddenly crashed and S.M.A.R.T. reports iminent failure upon booting up in BIOS.

Using Quick or Advanced test, it would report this:
Failure code: 0x72
Additional: 0x02
Technical Result Code for RMA: 72024D53

Using IBM's DFT to low-level format the drive would result in a LBA error (occurs randomly at different parts of the process, suspect it's head aperture problem).

The drive has a scratching sound when accessing the drive. I've tried to use FDISK to repartition the drive too, but after that (partitioning completes successfully, but time taken was longer than expected) I can't format it using FORMAT.COM. Gets stuck at 0 percent.

Checking the S.M.A.R.T. status of the HDD using the IBM DFT utility results in a "BAD".

Seems like it's this S.M.A.R.T thing that's causing the problem. Any solutions, guys? :)

[Comage]

In particular: Is it possible to reset the S.M.A.R.T. status on the HDD? If so, how do I go about doing it?

I know this is pretty tricky; but please do direct me to the respective sources where I might find information for this.

Thanks in advance. :)

[Nighthawk]

SMART is done by a low-level sensor. It's been screaming at you (as best it can) that your hard drive is about to completely die and you should back it up and RMA it. I would guess that the scratching sound is a BAD THING.

Hopefully it's still under warranty, because the drive is gone.

http://www.maxtor.com/products/diamondmax/techsupport/misc/smart.html

[otheos]

Unless I miss something the drive is DEAD!

RMA it asap.

[Comage]

Thanks for the advice guys. :)

So there's no way out save for a RMA and a trip to the customer service centre? :(

[elroy]

SMART = self monitoring and reporting test
This is a diagnostic test run at boot up to check the integrity of the drive. Your drive is BAD. If you have any important stuff on it you had better get it off immediately.

[AzKidd69]

Originally posted by Comage
Technical Result Code for RMA: 72024D53


It's even telling you itself to RMA.. That's kinda kewl if you ask me.. The drive is tellin you there is nothing you can do but recover data and RMA.

BTW what happens if you disable SMART? This might remove the error BUT it is dying. Backup and replace.

Posted by cadetstimpy in another thread
IBM has just retooled and has some of the newest and fastest ATA drives. They will cost a little more until high volume production benifits kick in and they recoupe R&D. There may be a few defects out there as they refine their tooling and production processes.

I've learned to keep an eye on tooling when I decide which drive to buy. About a year ago IBM ATA/EIDE drives had a high fail rate and ran way too hot - looks like they learned their lesson and retooled quickly with a completely new design.

[Comage]

I've tried disabling SMART using the IBM DFT, but it doesn't help. I can't access the drive using any method still. :(

Thanks for all the help and advice. :)