Re: [smartmontools-support] smartctl

[Linda W. <sma...@tl...>]

Sandro wrote:
> I have installed smartmontools on my p.c. with debian 7.10
> I have tree HD installed:
> a WD model WDC WD200BB-00RDA0 (boot disk), acquired  09.02.2007
> a Samsung Model SP2004C (data disk) acquired 13.09.2006
> a Samsung Model HD 501LJ (new - not jet formatted) acquired 09.01.2008
>
> the response at the command "smartctl - a /dev/xxx was:
> WD200BB-00RDA0 : 6 pre-fail, the rest old-age
> SP2004C                 : 5 pre-fail, the rest old-age
> HD 501LJ                : 3 pre-fail, the rest old-age
----
    I may be complete out of my depth in trying to answer this, but my
impression is you used the "-a" switch that lists all info and you
are seeing the various attributes.  If you want to see only the
attributes, you can use the "-A" (capital A switch).  I *thing*
the answer to your question is under the "-A" switch in the
smartctl(8) man page.  It is normal to have attributes listed
that are of type "old-age" and type "pre-fail" in my experience.
The question of disk health is related (among other things) to
how many (or if any!) of the "pre-fail" attributes have declined
below their minimum healthy value.  The "old-age" attributes seem
to be indicative of the disk's age, but their interpretation is
largely manufacturer dependent.

    Hopefully, if I'm way wrong, someone will hit me with a
clue-stick....

Linda