I just bought brand new comp in February. I got a message this morning that said this:

3rd master hard disk s.m.a.r.t
status bad, backup and replace
press F1 to resume

So WTF? 1st how do i back up my HD? 2. is this from something i've done? I download a few songs here and there as well as a few "movies" now and again. 3. I can't really wait to send this out for repairs i need my computer everyday. This thing is still under warrenty so what should i do?

 

You're going to need to copy your files you don't want to lose onto something else. If you have an external hard drive as well copy those files onto your external hard drive. I currently have 3 external hard drives,1 that has 400gb of space that I use at home for storage and I have an 80gb hard drive I use for traveling that just has what I need for the trip. Either can be used to store files if I ever have a computer problem and need to back upfiles if I get into a situation like you.

 

UUMMMMM.......... That really didn't help. I don't have another HD or external HD so what do I do?

 

Couple questions before I can specifically diagnose....is that message appearing on boot-up? (before you get to the Windows XP splash screen)

Or are you able to get into Windows?

First thing to try...if you have an old Windows boot disk, use it and see if you can get to the DOS prompt and type a C: to see if you can get on the HD that way. You can't do much else besides that, but it tells you both the HD and data cable are working. If that's the case, your problem lies with Windows and you need to repair your installation, using the Windows CD. This probably isn't the case, but it's the easiest thing to check if you have a Windows boot disk.

If you don't have the boot disk, or you can't get onto the C: (HD) drive, it might be the data cable...pop open the case and try swapping the data cable running from the HD to the motherboard...that might be bad (and is a LOT easier to test before you go and replace the hard disk).

If that doesn't work, the HD itself might be bad and you'll have to go thru the hassle of replacing the HD under warranty (at least to get it replaced for free--if you want to be back up today, rip out the old one, go to Staples, buy a new one and install Windows and all your programs on it).

If the HD is bad, I don't think there's much you'll be able to do to recover your data....and I doubt happened on account of anything you did or downloaded...just one of "those things"

 

i'm gonna take it back to staples. I got them to give me a loaner comp for the 2 weeks it will be out.

 

Good deal too. Saves you lots of hassle!

 

HA! HA! I walked into staples and they're trying to tell me " we can't give you a loaner comp" after they told me they would. I chewed all of them a new one manager,tech,owner everyone that was within ear shot. They fixed it for me on site and just installed a new one. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!

Point......... Derek!

 

Sweet! Glad it's working for ya! Was it the HD?

 

Yep! They swapped it out and copied my files onto the new one.