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HP PCs - SMART hard disk error 301, 302, 309, 30A, 30B, 30C, 3F1, 3F2

The computer runs a SMART Hard Disk test during startup. If there is a potential hard disk issue, you might see an error message displayed on a black screen.

SMART hard drive error warning message

The SMART Hard Disk test creates a prediction about the potential for hard drive failure, not an actual failure. A SMART Hard Disk error warning can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the computer having been jarred sharply or the hard disk being subjected to higher than usual temperatures.

If you receive this error message, perform the following actions:

  1. Immediately back up all important data and files. While the SMART hard disk error might not indicate the imminent loss of the hard disk, it is best to be prepared, just in case the disk does fail.

  2. Run a Hard Disk Test to verify the condition of the hard disk.

If the error code includes 3F0, then see HP PCs - 3F0 boot device not found error displays on a black screen in Windows 10.

Back up your data

In Windows 10, use the File History backup feature to back up to an external drive or network location.

For more information, see Backup and Restore in Windows 10 (in English).

  1. In Windows, search for and open Backup settings.

  2. Click Add a drive. Windows searches your computer for usable backup drives.

  3. Choose an external drive or network location to store your backup files.

Open the Component Tests menu when Windows won't start

When Windows won't start, use the following instructions to open the Component Tests menu.

  1. Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.

  2. Turn on the computer and immediately press esc repeatedly, about once every second. When the menu is displayed, press the f2 key.

  3. On the main menu, click Component Tests.

The Component Tests menu is displayed.

Your Component Tests menu might be different, depending on the components installed on your computer.

Component Tests menu

Perform hard drive tests in HP PC Hardware Diagnostics

HP PC Hardware Diagnostics provides multiple tests to test the hard drive on your computer and confirm hardware failures. First, run the Quick Test (two to three minutes). If the Quick Test does not find a problem, run the Extensive Test (two hours or more). It can run once or loop until an error occurs.

  1. On the Component Tests menu, click Storage > Quick Test.

    Selecting the Hard Drive Quick Test

  2. Click Run once. The Quick Test begins.

    HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Hard Drive SSD Test screen

  3. If the computer has more than one hard drive, select the drive to test. To test all the hard drives, select Test All Hard Drives.

    When the test is complete, the screen displays the results. Test results are also available in the Test Logs on the main menu.

  4. If the hard drive passes the Quick Test, but there is still a problem with the hard drive, run the Extensive Test. This test includes the SMART Check, Short DST, Optimized DST, and Long DST. To run these tests individually, select them from the Hard Drive Tests menu.

  5. If the hard drive fails a test, click Troubleshoot.

  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to attempt to resolve the problem, and then click Yes.

  7. If the problem is not resolved, click Yes to contact HP Customer Support.

  8. Write down or copy the failure ID (24-digit code) and product ID for when you contact HP Customer Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the main menu.

  9. If your computer is online, click NEXT to go to the HP Customer Support website.

If your computer is offline, use your mobile device to scan the provided QR Code and access HP Customer Support.

Review the hard drive test results

When the hard drive test is complete, a message indicates the actions that were taken.

Hard drive test results

Test result

Suggested action

Hard Disk Test passed

Resume normal computer use.

Problem found and repaired

Resume normal computer use.

Bad sector found and remapped

Restart the computer.

  • If another error message is displayed, run the Hard Disk Test again.

  • If no error message is displayed, resume normal computer use.

Specific error message and 24-digit failure ID code is displayed

If the Hard Drive Test displays an error message and a warranty ID code, contact HP.

The customer service agent will ask you for the 24-digit code if you need to setup a repair or hard drive replacement.

Note:

When you contact HP, the agent will verify whether your computer is still under warranty.

Additional support options

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