Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use DiskCheckup to Scan for Errors

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use DiskCheckup to Scan for Errors

Hard drive failure can cause sudden data loss. Monitoring your drive’s health helps prevent this. PassMark DiskCheckup is a lightweight tool that reads Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) attributes to predict drive failure.

This guide explains how to download, configure, and use DiskCheckup to scan your storage drives for errors. Step 1: Download and Install DiskCheckup

Before checking your drive, you need to install the software. DiskCheckup is free for personal use. Visit the official PassMark website. Download the DiskCheckup installation file. Open the downloaded setup file. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation. Launch the application as an administrator. Step 2: Select Your Hard Drive

The software displays all connected storage drives upon startup. Locate the Device drop-down menu at the top left. Click the menu to see your connected hard drives and SSDs. Select the specific drive you want to analyze.

Review the basic drive information displayed in the main window. Step 3: Analyze S.M.A.R.T. Attributes

S.M.A.R.T. attributes track your drive’s performance history and hardware health. Click on the SMART Info tab. Look at the Status column for each attribute. Ensure all critical attributes show an OK status.

Pay close attention to Raw Read Error Rate and Reallocated Sector Count.

A status of FAIL or WARNING indicates immediate drive backup is required. Step 4: Run a Disk Self-Test

DiskCheckup allows you to trigger built-in hardware self-tests for deeper analysis. Navigate to the Disk Self Test tab. Choose between the Short Test or the Extended Test.

Select the Short Test (takes roughly 2–5 minutes) for a quick check.

Select the Extended Test (takes several hours) to scan the entire drive surface. Click the Test button to begin. Avoid heavy computer usage until the test finishes. Step 5: Configure Health Alerts

You can set up DiskCheckup to run in the background and alert you to sudden hardware changes. Open the Configuration menu. Check the box to enable background disk monitoring.

Set the time interval for how often the software checks your drives.

Enable email notifications or pop-up alerts for immediate failure warnings. Click Save to apply the background settings. Interpreting the Results

If the S.M.A.R.T. info shows status changes or the self-test fails, your drive is likely degradation-prone. Back up your important files immediately to an external drive or cloud storage, and consider replacing the failing hardware. To help tailor this information, please let me know: What drive type are you scanning? (HDD or SSD?)

Are you experiencing specific symptoms like slowdowns or clicking noises?

Do you need assistance interpreting a specific S.M.A.R.T. attribute value?

I can provide specific troubleshooting steps based on your drive’s condition.