5.2 - CompTIA A+ Core 1

Read/write failure

• Occurs when the storage device cannot properly read data from or write data to a disk or storage medium.

Light-emitting diode (LED) status indicators

Grinding noises

• Due to failures of mechanical components in hard disk drives (e.g., actuator arms).

• Error cascades - a mistake on the moving components can cause a failure in the whole disk drive.

• To recover from this issue, recover data from a recent backup to maintain data integrity.

Clicking sounds

• Symptoms of hard disk drive failure

Bootable device not found/drive not recognized

• Symptoms: Lights, beeps, error messages on screen with a name such as “Drive not recognized”

  • If the error message is “Operating system not found,” it means that the drive is present, but there is no operating system.

Troubleshooting

• Check the data and power connections to the storage device

• Check for the boot sequence in the BIOS - is the BIOS booting from a removable storage device (e.g., a USB flash drive) instead of the system’s internal storage?

• Check if the storage interface connecting to the device is disabled.

• Check if the storage device is receiving enough power, or is connected to the right SATA interface

Data loss/corruption

• Hard drives are mechanical devices - they will eventually fail. Repairing/recovering data is not always successful, and is time-consuming and expensive.

• An SSD may simply stop working, and allow you to read but not write to the drive.

• ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP - It is easy to recover data from the storage drives with a backup.

RAID failure

• Typically due to hardware failures, power issues, or communication issues (bad cables)

• Most RAID array software will give you detailed error messages - however, consult the RAID array software for the type of storage device being used to ensure correct drive replacement.

• RAID 0: Requires two or more functional disks - a single disk failure breaks the data array as data is striped (shared) between two disks.

• RAID 1: Requires two or more functional disks - the array will work as long as one drive is operational - adding two allows the array to resynchronize.

• RAID 5: Requires three or more functional disks - three disks can be operational, one is needed for parity.

• RAID 6: Requires four or more functional disks - four disks can be operational, two are required for parity.

• RAID 10: Requires four or more functional disks - four are needed to form a stripe of mirrors.

Self-monitoring and Reporting Technology (SMART) failure

• Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART): A diagnostic tool that monitors the reliability of hard drives and solid-state drives, providing early warnings for potential failures.

• Use SMART utilities to find hardware failures in storage drives

Extended read/write times

• Input/output operations per second (IOPS) is a broad metric of maximum performance or read/write times.

• Helpful in comparing storage devices - hard drives have a maximum IOPS of 200, while SSDS can jump to 1 million.

• Lower IOPS are often a sign of hard drive failure - it is common to replace a HDD with an SSD to boost performance.

Missing drives in OS

• Occurs when shared drives are not shown on a computer.

• How to resolve:

  1. Check the BIOS

  2. Internal drives - the drive may be bad or a cable may be disconnected

  3. External drives - there may be no power to the drive or a bad cable connection.

  4. Network shares - use a reconnect at sign-in option, or connect with a login script.

Array missing

• This typically indicates a missing or faulty RAID controller.

• To manage, you would typically fix the RAID controller using a configuration utility built into a computer

Audible alarm

Troubleshooting storage disk failures

1. Get a backup (if possible) and add as much uncorrupted/unaffected data as possible.

2. Check for loose or damaged cables

3. Check for overheating, mainly if problems occur after startup

4. Check the power supply, especially if new devices were added.

   • Complete an audit of all the devices in your system and how much power they need to determine if the power supply is sufficient.

5. Run hard drive diagnostics from the drive or the computer manufacturer