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Reason & Solution For Hard Disk SMART Command Failed Error

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.

  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.

  1. 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.


  2. Try a Different Port

    Follow the same procedure and connect your HDD to a different port on the motherboard.

  3. Use a New Connector

    You need to replace the current SATA/PATA cable with a new one and check for the issue.


  4. 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

  5. Try Hard Disk Recovery Methods

    You should perform HDD recovery steps like defragmentation to prolong the life of the HDD.

  6. 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.

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You should start pressing the key immediately once your PC starts booting. Different vendors have different keys to access BIOS.

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For my Samsung netbook, it was the Delete button. [F2] is the Key for my Acer Aspire Laptop.