Yesterday night I encountered a strange error on my computer. I couldn't boot my computer and failed my efforts to load the Operating System. Instead of the Windows login screen, I reached an error message Hard Disk SMART Command Failed. Whatever the error, it affected the keyboard too. Other than the Tab key, no other keys were working. This article explains what is the meaning of Hard Disk SMART Command Failed error message, and how to fix it.
Why Am I Getting S.M.A.R.T. Command Failed Boot Error?
SMART is a BIOS feature which stands for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology for monitoring the health of Hard Disk Drive.
If the S.M.A.R.T feature in BIOS detects HDD malfunctioning, you will get this error message while booting your computer.
It is a confusing situation because whenever you reboot your PC, it will go back to the same error page in a loop.
Whatever you do, this error will prevent you from booting your computer.
The BIOS S.M.A.R.T feature reminding you that it is the time to purchase a new HDD for your PC.
However, some other minor reasons too will result in the Hard Disk SMART Command Failed error even if the Hard Disk is fine.
Reasons for Getting Hard Disk S.M.A.R.T Command Failed Error
It is important to understand the reason for receiving the Hard Disk SMART Command Failed error when you start your laptop.
How to Fix Hard Disk SMART Command Failed Error Message?
The permanent solution to prevent the Hard Disk SMART Command Failed issue to purchase a new HDD for your laptop.
However, if this issue is due to any other reasons other than the fault of HDD, you can fix without replacing the hard disk.
Getting into the BIOS might be difficult sometimes.
When my PC got stuck at the Hard Disk SMART Command Failed error, I was getting an alert press [Del] to enter BIOS.
But it didn't work because the delete button was not responding. So I had to press the reset button to reboot the PC.
You should start pressing the key immediately once your PC starts booting. Different vendors have different keys to access BIOS.
For my Samsung netbook, it was the Delete button. [F2] is the Key for my Acer Aspire Laptop.
Why Am I Getting S.M.A.R.T. Command Failed Boot Error?
SMART is a BIOS feature which stands for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology for monitoring the health of Hard Disk Drive.
If the S.M.A.R.T feature in BIOS detects HDD malfunctioning, you will get this error message while booting your computer.
It is a confusing situation because whenever you reboot your PC, it will go back to the same error page in a loop.
Whatever you do, this error will prevent you from booting your computer.
The BIOS S.M.A.R.T feature reminding you that it is the time to purchase a new HDD for your PC.
However, some other minor reasons too will result in the Hard Disk SMART Command Failed error even if the Hard Disk is fine.
Reasons for Getting Hard Disk S.M.A.R.T Command Failed Error
It is important to understand the reason for receiving the Hard Disk SMART Command Failed error when you start your laptop.
- Hard Disk is About to Fail
If your computer HDD is about to die, the SMART feature will detect it and display the Hard Disk S.M.A.R.T Command Failed alert.
You should immediately back up the data from your HDD and purchase a new one.
- Possible IDE/SATA cable Loose Connection
If the IDE cable (PATA) or the SATA cable, which connects the motherboard and the HDD are loose, you will get a false Hard Disk S.M.A.R.T Command Failed Error while booting your PC.
- Faulty Port/Connector
One of the rare chances is the faulty connector between the HDD and the Motherboard.
How to Fix Hard Disk SMART Command Failed Error Message?
The permanent solution to prevent the Hard Disk SMART Command Failed issue to purchase a new HDD for your laptop.
However, if this issue is due to any other reasons other than the fault of HDD, you can fix without replacing the hard disk.
- Disconnect HDD and Reconnect
- Power off your computer and open the cabinet
- Disconnect the SATA/PATA cable between the motherboard and HDD
- Remove the Dust and Reconnect the HDD to the motherboard
- Reboot your computer
If the issue persists, go to the next step.
- Power off your computer and open the cabinet
- Try a Different Port
Follow the same procedure and connect your HDD to a different port on the motherboard.
- Use a New Connector
You need to replace the current SATA/PATA cable with a new one and check for the issue.
- Disable S.M.A.R.T feature in BIOS
If none of the above solutions work, you need to disable the SMART feature from BIOS as a temporary solution.
It will avoid the chance of the HDD failures detection, and you will not get any more SMART error message.
- Reboot your computer
- Start pressing the key as mentioned by your vendor to access BIOS before loading the Operating System screen.
Popular Keys are [Del] and [F2]
- Once logon to the BIOS, navigate to HDD
- Select the Off option for S.M.A.R.T feature at HDD
- Save the settings and exit BIOS
- Reboot your computer
- Try Hard Disk Recovery Methods
You should perform HDD recovery steps like defragmentation to prolong the life of the HDD.
- Purchase a New Hard Disk
You should backup the data from your hard disk and purchase a new one for your computer.
Getting into the BIOS might be difficult sometimes.
When my PC got stuck at the Hard Disk SMART Command Failed error, I was getting an alert press [Del] to enter BIOS.
But it didn't work because the delete button was not responding. So I had to press the reset button to reboot the PC.
You should start pressing the key immediately once your PC starts booting. Different vendors have different keys to access BIOS.
For my Samsung netbook, it was the Delete button. [F2] is the Key for my Acer Aspire Laptop.
Thanks it helped me
ReplyDeleteme also facing this problem in my laptop... Thanks but the suggestions but i couldn't find any SMART option in BIOS setup.. Any one help me to locate this option plz.....
ReplyDeleteEnter setup> select the sata port you're using for the hdd> SMART Monitoring
Deletemany thanks to you. I've got this problem yesterday. It happened after my HDD'd had sounded and made my computer interrupted,therefore, I had to cut off the power to my computer.
ReplyDeleteHi Bigyan
ReplyDeleteSome BIOS doesn't have smart option.
Me getting S.M.A.R.T. Capable but Command Failed
ReplyDeletePri Slave:
Pri Master:
Pri Master Hard Disk: S.M.A.R.T. Command Failed
What should I do?
Disable S.M.A.R.T I am sure it is not very necessary.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone doesn't see S.M.A.R.T feature in BIOS, you might check in advanced settings.
ReplyDelete@Tom,
Have you done the steps provided in this tutorial ?
Can I get S.M.A.R.T Command failed message in Linux Computer ? I am not a Windows fan
ReplyDeleteYes, you may get if SMART feature in BIOS detect hard disk error. This error message has nothing to do with OS
ReplyDeleteThanks, second option worked for me as well
ReplyDelete@Waheed,
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear, this post helped you.
Well, that is troublesome...
ReplyDeleteMy hard drive is not even half a year old and I had to buy it after my old one, which wasn't older than a year at the time, broke down. Does S.M.A.R.T. check for temperature as well? I have a habit of leaving the window opened overnight so in the morning it's freezing cold. I know it affects the CP, maybe the hard drive as well?
@unknown,
ReplyDeleteIt is widely considered as temperature below 25°C can damage HDD. However, the common reason for hard disk failure is the improper shutdown or sudden power off. Make sure you have shut down the computer after your use.
Shows windows and one beeps and again starts with settings shows start windows normally I enter again to windows and restarts
ReplyDeleteDisabled s.m.a.r.t but the same problem exists
ReplyDelete@Sharif,
ReplyDeleteYou may follow the instructions in this link:
http://www.corenetworkz.com/2009/11/why-my-computer-restarts-automatically.html
Most of cases it is SATA cable problem
ReplyDelete