[PLUG] Recommended Disk Test

[Brian Martin]

> sudo smartctl -a /dev/sda

As mentioned by others, your disk is 4.2 years old (Power_On_Hours / 24
/ 365), so it's beyond the planned lifespan of 3  years -- though most
disks exceed that.  You can safely do the following:
     - "sudo smartctl -t offline /dev/sda"
     - wait the named amount of time +50%, because their estimates are
always optimistic
     - "sudo smartctl -l selftest /dev/sda"
You should see an entry under extended tests with a LifeTime hours that
matches the current value of Power_On_Hours.  It'll report whether it
detected errors or not.  This test is non-destructive, can be run
on-line (despite the "offline" name -- probably a historical artifact),
but is only somewhat effective in detecting problems.

I've used lots of other test from the various manufacturers (see my
article at http://www.pdxsys.com/articles/hard-drive-test-tools/ for
info), but these are destructive and the best one was only 75% effective
at detecting a known failed drive.

                                                        -B


--------------------
Brian P. Martin, Chief Consultant
Martin Consulting Services, Inc.
Phone: 503-617-4500
E-mail: Brian at MartinConsulting.com
Web: www.martinconsulting.com
Blog: www.pdxsys.com