Complete Drive Test stops at 90% complete

If your Complete Drive Test stops at 90% (typically when using Western Digital (WD) Data Lifeguard Diagnostic Tool or a similar utility), this usually indicates that the tool encountered a problem with the drive during testing. Here's a breakdown of what might be causing it and how you can proceed:

🛠 Why the Test Stops at 90%

Bad Sectors Detected

The test likely halts when it hits a bad sector that it cannot read or remap. This is one of the most common reasons the diagnostic hangs near the end.

Drive Timeout or Unresponsive

If the drive becomes unresponsive or too slow due to internal errors or mechanical wear, the test may hang or abort.

Data Corruption or SMART Errors

Internal SMART attributes might be triggering an error during the test that causes it to stop.

Software or Interface Glitch

On rare occasions, the testing software itself may hang due to a software bug or USB/SATA interface problem.

✅ Steps to Troubleshoot

1. Check SMART Status

Run a SMART diagnostic using:

WD Dashboard

CrystalDiskInfo (https://crystalmark.info/en/software/crystaldiskinfo/)

Look for signs of:

Reallocated Sectors

Pending Sectors

Uncorrectable Errors

2. Run a Quick Test

If the complete test fails, try the Quick Test.

If the Quick Test also fails, the drive is likely failing.

3. Use a Different Port or Cable

Try connecting the drive to a different SATA or USB port.

Use a different data cable or enclosure if it's an external drive.

4. Use a Different Diagnostic Tool

Try using another tool such as:

SeaTools (from Seagate – works on non-Seagate drives too)

HDDScan

GSmartControl (Linux-friendly, also works on Windows)

5. Backup Your Data Immediately

If the test fails or hangs, assume the drive is unreliable.

Backup all important data before further testing or usage.

🧾 Interpreting the Test Log (Optional)

If you're using WD's tool, locate the test log file (usually in the install folder or user Documents).

Check for entries like:

java

Copy

Edit

Test Error Code = 08-Too many bad sectors detected

or

css

Copy

Edit

Test stopped due to a fatal error

These messages confirm that the drive is likely failing.

📝 Final Options

🔁 Warranty Replacement

If the drive is under warranty, you can check eligibility here:

https://support.wdc.com/warranty

You’ll need the drive’s serial number to process a replacement.

🧰 Zero-Fill (Advanced)

As a last resort, you can try writing zeros to the drive (will erase all data) to see if it helps remap bad sectors:

Use “Write Zeros” in WD Data Lifeguard or “Low Level Format” tools.

Run another test after to verify.

Warning: This erases all data and is not recommended unless the data is already backed up.

🧠 Summary

Step Action

✅ 1 Backup your data immediately

🔍 2 Run SMART check to assess drive health

🔁 3 Try another port/cable or computer

🛠 4 Try a different diagnostic tool

📋 5 Check warranty for a replacement

💾 6 If critical errors persist, retire the drive

Would you like help analyzing a SMART report or uploading your test log? Feel free to share a screenshot or file.