Imminent hard drive failure alarm

[zinger]

I used to be a member a long time ago but hadn't had any serious problems until now. I', getting a black screen on startup that states:
1720 Smart hard drive detects imminent failure
failing drive SATAO
failing attribute #B8
On bottom left of screen in blue is F1:boot.
A tech at Staples said I could press F11 on startup in order to get to safe mode but F8 is said on google in order to do that. I've done both several times but no luck. I run windows 8.1 on a HP PC. I was hoping to gather some files before replacing the hard drive, is that possible? I have a recovery disk but was going to use it on the new hard drive.

[patio]

Staples...hee. It's F8 for safemode but not a press of the key...immediately start tapping it repeatedly before the Win logo appears...


What is your backup strategy if it gets that far BTW ?

[BC_Programmer]

What you've described sounds like the BIOS S.M.A.R.T check, and would be happening before Windows even starts. The same sort of error you might get if the CMOS battery is dead or if it doesn't detect any keyboard and such. Starting in Safe mode I don't think would make any real difference.

The Attribute in question suggests what is called an "End-to-End" Error, which is a result of parity errors being detected, which could be a result of the mechanical drive itself failing or a result of the Drive's cache RAM failing.

Your best chance is to replace the drive, install/restore Windows, and then try connecting the old drive as well to try to copy data. But the error suggests a rather serious failure that would likely make reading anything from the drive impossible without getting into specialist data recovery stuff.

[zinger]

First, to Patio, I knew that tapping the key was the method as I have done that before on older operating systems but it still didn't work. Also, I questioned his suggestion because to me it didn't seem like I could access any files and copy them to a flash drive in safe mode.

To BC_Programmer, I double checked my wireless keyboard and found a leaky battery. I cleaned the area and put new batteries in it to no avail, I guess I could check it on this computer? There wasn't anything major I wanted to retrieve but thought about giving it a shot if possible. I've already ordered a new computer. I plan to replace the hard drive on the one that failed and set it up for my wife. I'm concerned that my recovery disk might not work and I'd be out more money. I heard that HP would/might send a recovery disk if one hadn't been made or didn't work. I'm sure a fee would be involved if indeed they would/could do that. BTW, I didn't know there was a battery for the CMOS in a PC. I agree with you in that from the alarm I'm getting, copying anything after replacing the hard drive would be fruitless and even getting it cloned wouldn't necessarily guarantee good results. Thanks to both of you for the responses, it looks like I'm SOL with this endeavor.

[BC_Programmer]

You misunderstand. When I referenced batteries I was saying that those error messages would also appear before Windows boots up. I was not suggesting either of my examples were relevant to your situation- they give different error messages but at effectively the same point in the boot-up process.

If the systemwas capable of booting into Safe Mode you would be able to copy files to Flash Drives, but it sounds like you can't get that far. Likely due to the nature of the drive failure.

[zinger]

The failure alarm comes on the screen right after the HP logo. I've read where it's tricky getting the F8 key to work but don't know why. I've never had any problem with older operating systems using that method. I might give it a few more tries yet. I was told by one of the local computer people that if I had it cloned I might be copying some problems onto the new hard drive. I suspect it's a mechanical failure but don't know for sure. You would think if it hadn't failed yet, I would still be able to get into safe mode.

[BC_Programmer]

The key to enter safe mode only takes effect while Windows is booting. At the point you receive the error message, Windows has not even received control yet.

[zinger]

10-4 thanks for the input.