Reducing Pending Sector Count in SMART for WD HDD

Reducing Pending Sector Count Reported in SMART for a 8TB Western Digital HDD (Error SMART id 197)

Abstract: This article explains how to reduce the Current Pending Sector Count reported in SMART for a Western Digital 8TB HDD, which has an error with id 197.

Created: 2024-05-23 by UserComp.com Editors

Reducing Pending Sector Count Reported by SMART on 8TB Western Digital HDD (Error SMART id 197)

The Current Pending Sector Count is a critical attribute in the Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) system of hard drives. This attribute, identified by SMART id 197, indicates the number of sectors waiting to be reallocated due to impending read or write failure. A non-zero value for this attribute can be an early warning sign of an imminent drive failure. This article focuses on reducing the Current Pending Sector Count on an 8TB Western Digital HDD.

Understanding SMART Attributes

SMART is a monitoring system built into most modern hard drives, solid-state drives, and other storage devices. It provides information about the device's health, including various attributes that can help predict potential failures. The Current Pending Sector Count is one such attribute, and its value is expressed as a raw value and a normalized value. The raw value (416 in this case) represents the actual count, while the normalized value (100) indicates the severity of the issue on a scale of 1 to 255, with 100 being the baseline.

Causes of Increased Pending Sector Count

A rising Current Pending Sector Count can be attributed to various factors, such as physical damage, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear. It is essential to address this issue promptly to prevent data loss and extend the drive's lifespan.

Reducing Pending Sector Count

To reduce the Current Pending Sector Count on an 8TB Western Digital HDD, follow these steps:

Create a backup of all essential data on the drive.
Check the drive's warranty and consider contacting Western Digital's support for assistance.
Use a live CD or USB, such as Ubuntu, to access the drive without mounting it in the operating system. This step helps prevent further damage to the drive during the repair process.
Use a low-level diagnostic tool, such as Western Digital Data Lifeguard Diagnostics or HD Tune, to scan and repair the drive. These tools can often relocate problematic sectors and reduce the Current Pending Sector Count.
If the issue persists, consider using a sector editor tool, such as HDD Regenerator or MHDD, to manually repair the damaged sectors. Be cautious when using these tools, as improper usage can lead to data loss.
If all else fails, consider replacing the drive with a new one.

Preventing Future Pending Sector Count Increases

To prevent future increases in the Current Pending Sector Count, ensure the drive is not exposed to physical shocks, maintain a stable power supply, and keep the drive at a reasonable temperature. Regularly monitoring the SMART attributes can also help identify potential issues before they become critical.

References

Western Digital. (n.d.). Data Lifeguard Diagnostics for Windows
HD Tune. (n.d.). HD Tune
HDD Regenerator. (n.d.). HDD Regenerator
MHDD. (n.d.). MHDD


# Example of a bash script to run a low-level scan using HD Tune
hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "model number"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "model number"
sudo hdparm --user-master u --security-set-pass PASSWORD /dev/sdX
sudo hdparm --user-master u --security-disable PASSWORD /dev/sdX
sudo hdparm --user-master u --security-erase PASSWORD /dev/sdX
sudo hdparm --user-master u --security-set-pass PASSWORD /dev/sdX
sudo hdparm --user-master u --security-disable PASSWORD /dev/sdX
sudo hdparm --user-master u --security-erase PASSWORD /dev/sdX
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "model number"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "transport"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "firmware revision"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "serial number"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "device size"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "buffer size"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "queue depth"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "number of current cylinders"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "supported command pages"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "host protected area feature set"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "driver version"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "cdrom or communication device"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "nominal media rotation rate"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "read only"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "read only"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "writable"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "removable media"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "deterministic read after write"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "write cache"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "user addressable sectors"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "multiple sector transfer"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "advanced power management level"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "48 bit address"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "device sleep"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "world wide name"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "logical block provisioning"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "rotational positioning scheme"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "enhanced security erase"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "device internal command queue"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "device software result"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "device firmware update"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "device status"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "device capabilities"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "number of current pending sectors"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "offline data collection capability"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "current pending sector count"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "offline data collection status"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "udma mode"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "udma timings"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "security status"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "security level"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "security freeze lock"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "security erase timeout"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "security erase timeout"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "enhanced security erase timeout"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "write cache"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "read cache"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "look-ahead"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "write-read-verify"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "write-read-verify"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
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sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
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sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
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sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
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sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep -i "atapi interface"
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep

Tags: Hardware SMART Western Digital HDD

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This article provides a solution for the error encountered while upgrading a computer running Windows 11 N Pro, as the upgrade is not officially supported due to the lack of TPM. The issue starts when attempting to launch the Windows Camera app.

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Setting up Office PC Server with Raspberry Pi: Multihop SSH Tunnel Reverse Forward Tunnel

Setting up Office PC Server with Raspberry Pi: Multihop SSH Tunnel Reverse Forward Tunnel

Learn how to set up an Office PC Server with a Raspberry Pi using a Multihop SSH Tunnel Reverse Forward Tunnel. This guide will walk you through the process of connecting your home PC (192.168.1.42) to a Raspberry Pi and opening an SSH remote tunnel. Follow this tutorial to securely access your office server from home.

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Why does the mouse cursor trail on older Windows versions?

Why does the mouse cursor trail on older Windows versions?

Older versions of Windows sometimes cause the mouse cursor to trail, leaving copies of the cursor on the screen as it moves. This can be a problem when the computer is running slowly.

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Optimizing ChatGPT Web App Performance in Firefox

Optimizing ChatGPT Web App Performance in Firefox

This article provides tips and tricks to improve the performance of a ChatGPT web app in Firefox without losing functionality. Long conversations and slow typing input delays are common issues addressed in this article.

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Troubleshooting HDR Luminance Levels Mapping/Scaling while Playing HDR on PC

Troubleshooting HDR Luminance Levels Mapping/Scaling while Playing HDR on PC

This article provides solutions for issues encountered while playing downloaded HDR content on PC, such as incorrect luminance levels, mapping, or scaling. Common problems include games and YouTube not supporting HDR, even when setup is correct.

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Conditional Formatting: Chart Title Greyed

Conditional Formatting: Chart Title Greyed

This article explains how to use Conditional Formatting in a chart, but the chart title is greyed out. Here's how to resolve this issue...

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VeraCrypt Dual Boot Setup Disappears After Windows Reinstallation

VeraCrypt Dual Boot Setup Disappears After Windows Reinstallation

This article provides a solution for the issue where the VeraCrypt dual boot setup disappears after a Windows reinstallation.

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Options for Installing NVME PCIe Adapter on IBM System x3650 M3 Type 9745KPG

Options for Installing NVME PCIe Adapter on IBM System x3650 M3 Type 9745KPG

Recently purchased an old IBM System x3650 M3 Type 9745KPG without drives. Wanting to install an NVME PCIe adapter for read support. What are the options?

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Transparent Selection in Microsoft Paint Windows 11

Transparent Selection in Microsoft Paint Windows 11

Learn how to use the Transparent Selection option in Microsoft Paint Windows 11 for seamless image editing. Follow this guide to make your editing experience more efficient.

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Inspiron 155000 Black Screen Boot Loop

Inspiron 155000 Black Screen Boot Loop

A Dell Inspiron 155000 laptop is stuck in a boot loop while charging and downloading a file. The laptop returns 'Found laptop', and turning the charging lights blinks 3 amber and 1 white.

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Check Bitvise SSH Server License Validity Period on Windows 10

Check Bitvise SSH Server License Validity Period on Windows 10

Bitvise SSH Server license has expired and the server stops working, causing loss of access to remote computers. Check the current license validity date to plan ahead.

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Preserving Layers Saving in Microsoft Paint on Windows 11

Preserving Layers Saving in Microsoft Paint on Windows 11

Learn how to preserve layers when saving an image in Microsoft Paint on Windows 11 to avoid flattening and losing the ability to edit the image.

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Change Time Windows CMD Without Admin Rights

Change Time Windows CMD Without Admin Rights

Learn how to change the system time in Windows CMD without requiring admin rights using GitHub's Action Runner and Clock Sync.

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How to Transpose Rows/Columns in Notepad++ using Python Script Plugin

How to Transpose Rows/Columns in Notepad++ using Python Script Plugin

Learn how to transpose rows or columns in Notepad++ using the Python Script plugin. This article provides a step-by-step guide to install and use the plugin for efficient data manipulation.

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File Complaint Expedia

File Complaint Expedia

Learn how to file a complaint with Expedia. This guide covers steps for filing a complaint on Linux, Windows, and MacOS platforms.

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Unable to Connect Home Sky Broadband Network on Win10 Laptop: WiFi/Ethernet not valid IP configuration

Unable to Connect Home Sky Broadband Network on Win10 Laptop: WiFi/Ethernet not valid IP configuration

This article provides solutions for Win10 laptop users who are unable to connect their home Sky Broadband network due to the 'WiFi/Ethernet not valid IP configuration' error.

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Change Visited Link Color in Firefox (Latest Update: April 2025, v138.0)

Change Visited Link Color in Firefox (Latest Update: April 2025, v138.0)

Learn how to change the visited link color in Firefox with the latest update (April 2025, v138.0). This article provides step-by-step instructions to customize your Firefox browser.

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Resolved Dispute Expedia

Resolved Dispute Expedia

Learn how to resolve disputes with Expedia effectively. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

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Since upgrading to Windows 11, how to use Ctrl-Alt-Delete to login?

Since upgrading to Windows 11, how to use Ctrl-Alt-Delete to login?

After upgrading to Windows 11, the Ctrl-Alt-Delete key combination no longer brings up the prompt to enter a PIN (logging into Windows). No indication is given when the keys are pressed.

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Cron Won't Start VirtualBox VM: A Solution

Cron Won't Start VirtualBox VM: A Solution

In this article, we will discuss a solution to a common issue where Cron won't start a VirtualBox VM. This problem can occur on various operating systems, and we will provide a solution that should work across Linux, Windows, and MacOS.

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Block Internet Access for VLAN using EdgeRouter X5

Block Internet Access for VLAN using EdgeRouter X5

This article will guide you on how to block Internet access for a VLAN using EdgeRouter X5. By the end of this article, you will learn how to isolate your printer from the Internet while connected to a specific VLAN.

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Export Command Line Column Task Manager Data to CSV

Export Command Line Column Task Manager Data to CSV

Learn how to export the Task Manager's memory usage data to a CSV file using the command line. This guide covers Windows, Linux, and macOS.

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Configuring OS/Browser to Open Certain File Extensions in Specific Websites (Browser-Specific) - Tech Support

Configuring OS/Browser to Open Certain File Extensions in Specific Websites (Browser-Specific) - Tech Support

Learn how to configure your operating system and browser to open specific file extensions in certain websites, making it easier to handle old computers and access modern web applications.

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Recommendation for Weird/Big Multi-Monitor KVM Setup

Recommendation for Weird/Big Multi-Monitor KVM Setup

This article provides a recommendation for a weird/big multi-monitor KVM setup using a Thunderbolt port and drive. It will guide you through the process of setting up a desktop replacement with six screens, ensuring a seamless and efficient work environment.

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Running rsync on Windows using MSYS2: Source/Dest Path Formats

Running rsync on Windows using MSYS2: Source/Dest Path Formats

This article provides instructions on how to use rsync on Windows with MSYS2, converting Windows source/dest paths to a Linux-compatible format. This allows syncing through rsync.

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Automating Keyboard Shortcuts with PowerShell and Task Scheduler

Automating Keyboard Shortcuts with PowerShell and Task Scheduler

Learn how to automate keyboard shortcuts using PowerShell and Task Scheduler. This guide will show you how to create and schedule a PowerShell script that sends specific keystrokes to open applications.

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Splitting Multiline Text Words - PowerShell

Splitting Multiline Text Words - PowerShell

Learn how to split multiline text words using PowerShell. This article provides a simple solution to the problem of splitting text at specific characters, even when they are followed by whitespace. Try the provided script to effortlessly split your multiline text.

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Creating a User-Defined Snippets Repository in Kate

Creating a User-Defined Snippets Repository in Kate

This article provides a step-by-step guide on creating and setting up a user-defined snippets repository in Kate, a powerful and feature-rich text editor. Follow these instructions to streamline your coding experience.

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Creating a Spreadsheet List with Addresses and Tickbox for Payment Received

Creating a Spreadsheet List with Addresses and Tickbox for Payment Received

Learn how to create a spreadsheet list with addresses and a tickbox for payment received. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step to organize your data effectively.

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