SMART Failure Predicted on Primary Master

I'm getting the following message when I turn on my computer:

SMART Failure Predicted on Primary Master: Maxtor 53073H4
Warning: Immediately back-up your data and replace your hard disk drive.
A failure may be imminent.

Ok, I have backed things up and also made an image...but...why am I getting this message? I've searched and can't find any information on this (in English anyway).

I thought I might have a virus, but scan is okay and I downloaded another AV program to check, just in case. All okay there.

What would cause this and do I really have to go buy a new HD?

 

You are wise to keep your backup current until you resolve this. If may be a false alarm since it is a software program and they sometimes trip on their own feet.

Look here for some insight into what the Smart program does and make your decisions based on your particular risk tolerance.

It's opinion of your drive condition is only as good as the algorithms that some egg head decided to apply as the yardstick.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply Zephyr.

I downloaded the program from that webpage. It shows a problem with "Spin Up Retry Count ". I guess I will have to get it looked at/replaced. Just wish I knew WHY. The HD is less than 2 years old. If I get a new one, it will be the 3rd in 5 years. Maybe that's normal, but doesn't sound right to me.
Well, thanks again.

 

I had the same problem with a Maxtor HD, but all I had to do was return it to Maxtor for a new one, and they even sent me a bigger one in return. Go to the Maxtor website for the details.

 

Thanks edg, I'll check it out!

 

Computers sold under the name of a major manufacturer (Dell, Hewlett Packard, IBM, etc.) carry one-year warranty on all parts (unless you purchased an extended warranty).

In contrast, computers that are built by local shops (or yourself) may carry longer warranties on parts. All hard disks purchased by the consumer from local stores (or off the internet) carry 3-year manufacturers' warranties.

There are some exceptions to this 3-year rule when you purchase from just a few dealers on the internet so always ask. Accept nothing less than a three-year manufacturer's warranty.

Having written all that, now go to the manufacturer's web site and check your drive's warranty. It may be three years.