Fixed: SMART Status Bad Backup and Replace Error💡

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Jean 

Updated on Oct 07, 2026

How to fix SMART Status Bad Backup and Replace Error on hard disk? The first thing you need to do is back up your failing hard drive. Next, use the three useful methods to resolve Smart errors.

1. What Is SMART Status Bad Backup and Replace Error 
2. How to Repair HDD S.M.A.R.T. Status BAD Error with Free Software
3. How to Disable SMART Error Screen in BIOS

What Is SMART Status Bad Backup and Replace Error 

The S.M.A.R.T. Status BAD: Backup and Replace, is a warning that the system's hard drive has failed, or is likely to fail in the near future. If you can boot into the operating system (OS), back up the data from the failing drive to another location.

When S.M.A.R.T. data indicates a possible imminent drive failure, software running on the host system may notify the user so stored data can be copied to another storage device, preventing data loss, and the failing drive can be replaced.

If you receive the message "S.M.A.R.T. Capable and Status BAD…Pri Master Hard Disk: S.M.A.R.T. Status BAD, Backup and Replace Press F1 to Resume" when booting a PC that is running Windows 10/8/7, it indicates that something has gone wrong with the boot disk.

Don't forget to share these details with others who are trying to search "SMART Status Bad Backup and Replace" error on Google.

How to Repair HDD S.M.A.R.T. Status BAD Error with Free Software

How do you fix the S.M.A.R.T. error on the hard disk? After backing up all the data, you can follow the methods below to repair the S.M.A.R.T Status BAD, Backup, and Replace error.

Method 1: Windows hard drive repair utility

As long as you're running the Windows operating system, this free hard drive repair utility is available to use. Set it as a prior choice when the smart error occurs.

Step 1: In Windows 7, click "Start" -> "Computer", in Windows 10, click "File Explore". 

Step 2: Right-click on any one partition on the hard disk with a SMART failure error.

Step 3: Select "Properties" -> "Tools" and hit "Check now" under "Error-checking."

Step 4: Enable the "Automatically fix file system errors" and "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" options.

Step 5: Click on "Start" to begin the process.

If you're using an older drive and want to keep it running reliably for as long as possible, regular maintenance can make a difference. Check out our guide on [how to make an old hard drive last longer] for practical tips on monitoring drive health, managing storage space, and preventing common disk problems.

Method 2: Use EaseUS free partition management Software to fix Smart error

When you start your computer and get the Smart status bad error, you can use EaseUS free partition manager to check and repair bad sectors on the hard drive that cause the problem. EaseUS Partition Master helps you fix the corrupted file system and repair bad sectors with a few clicks.

Download this powerful free disk management tool and learn how to repair HDD smart bad errors.

Step 1. Right-click the target partition that may have a problem.

Step 2. Choose "Check" > "Check File System".

Step 3. In the Check File System window, check the "Try to fix errors if found" option by clicking the "Start" button. 

Step 4. Please wait patiently. After the process, you can click the "Finish" button to exit the window. 

How to Disable SMART Error Screen in BIOS

SMART is also known as SMART self-test. It can be easily disabled from the BIOS. All system manufacturers in the world strongly discourage disabling this bug. However, it can be disabled if the user is not serious about the stored data. This part of the tutorial can be used to disable the error. Before you begin, prepare the following:

1. PC
2. Internet connection in some cases
3. The HDD that encounters the error

Step 1: Reboot your computer, and then press the F2 or Del key. 

Step 2. Then go to "Advanced > SMART settings > SMART self-test." This setting is enabled by default. Set it to Disabled.  

Conclusion

When encountering the "SMART status bad, backup and replace press F1 to resume" issue, take an instant action to restore and back up your files at first. Then, try to troubleshoot with the solutions on this page.

If you have any questions during the process, contact our technical support team for help. Email to [email protected].

S.M.A.R.T. Status Bad Error FAQs

If you also have any of the following frequently asked Smart error fix questions, find solutions here.

1. How do I fix the bad Smart status issue?

• Reboot your computer and recover the data
• Disable S.M.A.R.T error from the BIOS
• Check bad sectors on the hard drive
• Back up and replace the hard drive 

2. What causes smart hard disk errors?

The SMART status bad error may be caused by bad sectors on the hard drive. In this case, you can try to run chkdsk to fix the corrupted file system and bad sectors and fix the SMART hard disk error.

3. How do I fix a smart hard drive to detect imminent failure?

Error message: "Hard disk failure is imminent. Please back up your hard disk and have it replaced. Press F18 for Setup. F2 to Continue.” 

Hard disk failure is an imminent error is a common issue reported by SMART in different computers, such as HP, ASUS, Lenovo, etc. When your computer displays hard disk failure imminent, it means your hard drive right now is not yet dead but will be sooner or later. So, back up your crucial files instantly and fix the error using the disk check utility.