Drive Self Test (Dst); Introduction; Tools And Diagnostics: Drive Self Test - Dst; Dst Benefits - HP HDD Troubleshooting Manual

1

Drive Self Test (DST)

1.1

Introduction

The troubleshooting flow charts presented in section 3 are to be used to improve the
use of the Drive Self Test (DST). The purpose of these flow charts is to increase
solution/resolution accuracy in order to increase customer satisfaction with higher
system uptime. Use of the flow charts will decrease the need for re-repairs and will
decrease no fault found rates. It is critical that these flow charts are followed when a
hard disk drive (HDD) may be the cause of the failure and the failure may result in the
replacement of the hard disk drive. Below are some definitions and explanations for
using tools associated with these flows charts.
1.2
Tools and Diagnostics: Drive Self Test – DST
The Drive Self Test (DST) is an integral part of most hard disk drives shipped today.
Depending on the product, DST can be launched in several ways including from DPS in
the BIOS, from HP Insight Off-line Diagnostics and from HP Instant Support.
DST consists of 2 tests:
There is a short ("quick") test that takes 2 to 5 minutes to complete from
start to finish and tests the basic functionality of the drive.
There is a long ("comprehensive") test that takes much longer to complete.
The length of the test varies depending on the size of the drive and can take
anywhere from 20 minutes for smaller drives up to a couple of hours for larger
drives.
1.3

DST Benefits

• This test does not erase data when a failure is found.
• Accuracy: failure of either of these two tests assumes 100% failure of HDD and
the HDD must be replaced. Successful passing of the quick test gives a 90%
assurance that the drive is good. Successful passing of the long test is a close to
100% assurance that the drive is good.
• This test is developed by each hard disk drive manufacturer based on common
industry standards. It is loaded on the hard disk drive during manufacturing.
• Predictive ability: this test can detect potential failure that could occur if the user
continues to use the hard disk drive.
HDD Troubleshooting Guide Page 3 of 48