Testing a Hard Disk using the Built in Self Test

Testing a Hard Disk using the Built in Self Test
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Use the steps below to test the hard drive in a Notebook PC using the HP Hard Drive Self Test.
Plug the AC Adapter into the Notebook PC.
Press and Hold the Power button for 5 Seconds to turn off the PC.
Press and hold the F10 Key. Then Press the Power button to turn on the PC releasing the F10 key after text is displayed on the screen of the PC.
After the BIOS Setup Utility is displayed, use the Right Arrow key to select the Tools menu.
Select Hard Drive Self Test
Press the Enter key to start the test.
The Hard Drive Self Test will provide an Estimated test time. A Quick test a Comprehensive test and a SMART test will execute when the Enter key is pressed.
If any test fails, contact HP service and support for instructions on how to order a replacement hard drive.
If all of the tests pass, the hard drive is not damaged. As a rule, HP will not replace a hard drive under warranty that does not fail the HP Hard Drive Self Test.

NOTE: Many PC problems are related to soft failures on the hard drive. The comprehensive portion of the HP Hard Drive Self Test will repair soft errors on the hard drive, but it will not report the errors. After the test is complete, be sure to restart the PC to see if test repaired the problem you may be experiencing with your PC.


NOTE: The hard drive built-in test feature was added to HP Notebooks manufactured after 2003.

Testing SATA (Serial ATA) hard drives
Performing the Hard Drive Self Test on SATA hard drives may generate a message indicating that diagnostics are not supported.
Windows is accessible

If Windows starts, download and install the latest BIOS for the notebook PC. For more information, see Additional links .
After installing the latest version of BIOS software, perform the Hard Drive Self Test as described above.

Windows is not accessible

If Windows does not start properly, reset the notebook PCs BIOS to the default settings. For more information, see Additional links .
Reseat the notebook PC hard drive. Instructions may vary depending on the model notebook you are using. For specific instructions on reseating the hard drive in your notebook see the Setup and Install section of this Web site.
After reseating the hard drive, perform the Hard Drive Self Test as described in the first section of this document.