is running smartctl safe?

Asked Jul 02 '20 at 04:03

Active Jul 02 '20 at 04:03

Viewed 347 times

I cant seem to find a super easy answer for this and I am sure that RTFM applies here but I am hoping this question, asked simply, will also help many other noobs out there.

I am running freenas and getting a bunch of CAM STATUS errors and incrementing unreadable (pending) sectors. I want to run a smartctl test but I am worried about hurting the drive, and the data.

Is running a long or short smartctl test safe?

Thanks

asked Jul 02 '20 at 04:03

D3l_Gato

1

It's just as safe as not replacing the failing drive. – Michael Hampton Jul 02 '20 at 04:11
so are you saying it is not safe to run smartctl? – D3l_Gato Jul 02 '20 at 04:19
1

It's not safe to keep using a drive you already know is failing. The test results won't tell you anything you don't already know. – Michael Hampton Jul 02 '20 at 04:39
appreciate your comment Michael. you are technically correct - which, i guess, is the best kind of correct. Regardless, i am hoping to still get an answer on the specific question. Thanks. – D3l_Gato Jul 02 '20 at 04:56
3

When you run smartctl test, you are using the drive. Using a failing drive is not safe, which means running smartctl test is not safe. – Tero Kilkanen Jul 02 '20 at 07:12
Well put Tero. If you want to make this an answer I will accept. Thanks. – D3l_Gato Jul 02 '20 at 18:38

is running smartctl safe?

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