Strange problem with SSD

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 5, 2023

The other day out of the blue, the laptop rebooted itself while a program was running. When it turned the pc back on, the words S.M.A.R.T test warning appeared.
Searching the net, I found out that it was an SSD problem, but by doing checks to all components I did not get any error messages, specifically windows was telling me that everything was intact.
I had recently done the latest windows 11 update, is it possible that this is what is causing the problem?
Also, is it normal that I get this error message (S.M.A.R.T) when I start the pc despite the fact that the hardware checks all give positive responses?

Bruce · Dec 5, 2023

SMART is a drive monitoring process drives have done for generations.
it is suppose to pre-warn you of pending faults with your drive.
it's usually not too bad at doing this but is by no means the be-all-and-end-all in saying when a drive will die.

I'd had drives continue to be used 2 years after the initial SMARTR warning came up, and others that have died with no SMART alerts.

but let's get those SMART figures and see what they say.

get Speccy; https://www.piriform.com/speccy/builds
in Speccy, click File > Publish Snapshot (hit Yes if prompted to proceed with publish) > Copy to Clipboard > Close.
now you can paste that link into your next post.

Speccy doesn’t show the Power Supply Unit so, if a Desktop PC, list the make/model of the PSU.

Is Speccy safe?

Rustys · Dec 6, 2023

Download the Standard edition of Crystal Disk Information.

Download

[2024/05/01] CrystalMark Retro 1.0.2 – Manual / History Standard Edition 2 themes / 27MB ZIP (XP-) INSTALLER (Vista-) Source Code Aoi Edition 2 themes / 27MB ZIP (XP-) INSTALLER (Vista-) [2024/04/30] CrystalDiskInfo 9.3.0 – Manual / History Aoi Edition 2 themes / 27MB ZIP (XP-) INSTALLER...

crystalmark.info

Select the ZIP (XP-) to your desktop and uncompress form there. This way there is no software to install.

Post a screen shot of the image example here making sure that your drive that it states in you post is selected.

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

What do you recommend I do? Obviously make a backup! But then what?

Rustys · Dec 6, 2023

Replace the drive.

Is that the one that has the operating system on?

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

Rustys · Dec 6, 2023

Then you will need to replace the drive and preform a clean install of the OS.
Making sure that the drivers are installed in the proper order.

honestly would not waste time backing up anything from that drive since if the files are corrupted then you will need to perform a fresh install anyways.

This is why users should have a backup process in place prior.

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

Why do you think it broke down? Why do you think the checks I did on windows give me positive responses? While crystaldisk gives me negative?

Rustys · Dec 6, 2023

Several things here are a few reasons.
bad circuit board
bad connection
power surge
heat
bad drive to begin with

NeddHelpPlz said:
Why do you think the checks I did on windows give me positive responses?

What checks

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

Open a command prompt window (from the Start menu), type the command wmic and press Enter.

Then type diskdrive get status and press Enter.

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

Could the fact that the laptop is also working at night while the charger remains plugged in all the time have contributed to the damage?

Rustys · Dec 6, 2023

Using the Administrator Command Prompt

Running the same command
wmic

type
diskdrive get status

Post a screen shot of the results

NeddHelpPlz said:
Could the fact that the laptop is also working at night while the charger remains plugged in all the time have contributed to the damage?

Maybe if the charge is going faulty.

Usually, I connect via USB to another system and see if it replicates.

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

Also, how do I delay the final breakdown of the ssd? Because in spite of everything the laptop seems to work fine, the only thing is the S.M.A.R.T screen when I turn on the computer, otherwise everything else is ok.

Rustys · Dec 6, 2023

Like @Bruce stated may take the drive long time before it fails or it may fail on the next few minutes.

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

Do you know how I can delay the failure of the ssd?

Rustys · Dec 6, 2023

Have you reseated the power and data connections to the drive and discharged the power.

NeddHelpPlz said:
Do you know how I can delay the failure of the ssd?

Stop using the drive is the only way I know of.

@phillpower2 anything I may have missed and or not thought of?
Could there be an issue within the BIOS or clear the CMOS?

To be honest maybe a false positive and reseating the drive may help or take it to a service center to be diagnosed.

NeddHelpPlz · Dec 6, 2023

"Have you reseated the power and data connections to the drive and discharged the power" I don't think I understand this sentence. Could you rephrase it?

Rustys · Dec 6, 2023

unplug the power and disconnect the battery.
Disconnect the cable to the SDD Drive
hold the power button down for 30-60 seconds.
reconnect the cable to the SDD Drive
reconnect the battery.
reconnect the power.

See if the issue reoccurs.

Strange problem with SSD

Forum Regular