How to Fix Write Error Rate (0xC8) S.M.A.R.T. Error?

Does a S.M.A.R.T. error «0xC8 Write Error Rate» appear in an HDD or SSD when your computer/laptop loads? Has your computer performance got worse after this error and you worry about the safety of your data? Acceptable values of the attribute «Write Error Rate» may differ depending on the hard disk manufacturer – WD (Western Digital), Samsung, Seagate, HGST (Hitachi) or Toshiba.

How to Fix Write Error Rate (0xC8) S.M.A.R.T. Error?

What should you do with "0xC8 Write Error Rate"?

Read more how to fix «0xC8 Write Error Rate» in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows Home Server 2011, Windows 7 (Seven), Windows Small Business Server, Windows Server 2008, Windows Home Server, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT.

Stop Using The Faulty HDD

If you receive a system message about an error diagnosed, it doesn’t mean the disk is out of order already. However, in case of a S.M.A.R.T. error, you should realize the disk is on the way to its breakdown. It can fail completely anytime – both within several minutes or in a month or even in a year. Anyway, it does mean you cannot trust to keep your data there.

You should take some care about the safety of your data, make a backup copy or transfer files to another media. Along with these actions meant to save your data, you should also replace your hard disk. The disk where S.M.A.R.T. errors were found cannot be used – even if it doesn’t break down completely, it can still damage your data partially.

Of course, a hard disk can fail even without showing any S.M.A.R.T. messages, but this technology gives you a certain advantage of warning you about the coming breakdown problem.

Restore The Deleted Data From The Disk

If there is a SMART error, restoring data from the disk is not always necessary. In case of an error, it is recommended to create a backup copy of important information immediately, because now the disk can fail completely at any time. However, there are errors that make data copying impossible. In this case, you can use special hard disk data recovery software - Hetman Partition Recovery.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Hetman Partition Recovery

To do it:

  1. Download the program, install and launch it.

  2. By default, you will be suggested to use File Recovery Wizard. After clicking Next the program will suggest you to choose a disk to recover files from.

  3. Double-click on the faulty disk and choose the type of analysis. Select Full analysis and wait for the scanning process to finish.

  4. After the scanning process is over you will be shown files for recovery. Select the necessary files and click Recover.

  5. Select one of the suggested ways to save files. Do not save the recovered files to the disk having an error «0xC8 Write Error Rate».

Scan The Disk For Bad Sectors

Start scanning all partitions of the disk and try correcting any mistakes that are found.

To do it, open This PC and right-click on the disk with a SMART error.
Select Properties / Tools / Check in the tab Error checking.

«0xC8 Write Error Rate»: Scan The Disk For Bad Sectors

Errors found on the disk as a result of scanning can be corrected.

Go to view
How to Check Your Hard Disk for Errors and Fix Them in Windows 10

How to Check Your Hard Disk for Errors and Fix Them in Windows 10

Reduce The Disk Temperature

Sometimes a SMART error can be caused by exceeding the maximum temperature of the disk. This problem can be eliminated by improving the case ventilation. First of all, make sure that your computer has sufficient ventilation and that all coolers are in proper working order.

If you found and eliminated the ventilation problem, which helped to bring the disk temperature back to normal, this SMART error can never appear again.

Go to view
How to Check the Processor (CPU), Video Card (GPU) or Hard Disk (HDD) Temperature

How to Check the Processor (CPU), Video Card (GPU) or Hard Disk (HDD) Temperature

Run Hard Disk Defragmentation

Open This PC and right-click on the disk having an error «0xC8 Write Error Rate». Select Properties / Tools / Optimize in the tab Optimize and defragment drive.

Go to view
How to Defragment Your PC's Hard Drive on Windows 10

How to Defragment Your PC's Hard Drive on Windows 10

«0xC8 Write Error Rate»: Run Hard Disk Defragmentation

Select the disk you need to optimize and click Optimize.

Note. In Windows 10 disk defragmentation and optimization can be adjusted to take place automatically.

«Write Error Rate» In an SSD

Even if you have no problems with an SSD performance, its operability is reducing slowly because SSD memory cells have a limited number of overwrite cycles. The wear resistance function minimizes this effect but never takes it away completely.

SSD disks have their specific SMART attributes which send signals about the state of disk memory cells. For example, "209 Remaining Drive Life," "231 SSD life left" etc. Such errors may occur when memory cell operability is reduced, and it means the information kept there can be damaged or lost.

In case of failure, SSD cells cannot be recovered or replaced.

Go to view
SSD Diagnostics: Programs to Find and Fix SSD Errors

SSD Diagnostics: Programs to Find and Fix SSD Errors

How Can You Reset «0xC8 Write Error Rate»?

SMART errors can be easily reset in BIOS (or UEFI) but all OS developers strongly discourage users from this step. Yet if the data on the hard disk is of little importance for you, displaying SMART errors can be disabled.

Here is the procedure to follow:

  1. Restart the computer, and use combinations of keys shown on the loading screen (they depend on a specific manufacturer, usually "F2" or "Del") to go to BIOS (or UEFI).

  2. Go to Аdvanced > SMART settings > SMART self test. Set the value as Disabled.

Note: The place where you disable the function is given approximately, because its specific location depends on the version of BIOS or UEFI and can differ slightly.

Buy a New Hard Disk

Is It Worth Repairing an HDD?

It is important to realize that any of the ways to eliminate a SMART error is self-deception. It is impossible to completely remove the cause of the error, as it often involves physical wear of the hard disk mechanism.

To replace the hard disk components which operate incorrectly you can go to a service center or a special laboratory dealing with hard disks.

However, the cost of work will be higher than the price of a new device, so it is justified only when you need to restore data from a disk which is no longer operable.

How to choose a new HDD?

If you encounter a hard disk SMART error, then buying a new HDD is only a matter of time. The disk type you need depends on how you work on the computer and the purposes you use your computer for.

Here are some points to consider when buying a new hard disk:

  1. Disk type: HDD, SSD или SSHD. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages which may be unimportant for one user and crucial for another. These are read and write speed, capacity and tolerance to multiple overwriting.

  2. Size. There are two main form factors for hard disks, 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch. The size of disks is determined in accordance to the slot in a particular computer or laptop.

  3. Interface. The main interfaces of hard disks are as follows:

    • SATA;

    • IDE, ATAPI, ATA;

    • SCSI;

    • External Disk (USB, FireWire etc).

  4. Technical characteristics and performance:

    • Capacity;

    • Read and write speed;

    • Memory cache size;

    • Response time;

    • Fail safety.

  5. S.M.A.R.T. Availability of this technology in the disk will help determining possible mistakes in its work and prevent loss of data before it is too late.

  6. Package. This item can include interface or power cables as well as warranty and service options.

Hard drives and SSD

WD HDD

  • WD Blue
  • WD Green
  • WD Black
  • WD Red
  • WD Purple
  • WD Gold

Seagate HDD

  • BarraCuda
  • FireCuda
  • Backup/Expansion
  • Enterprise (NAS)
  • IronWolf (NAS)
  • SkyHawk

Transcend HDD

  • 25M
  • 25H
  • 25C
  • 25A
  • 35T

Hitachi HDD

  • Travelstar
  • Deskstar (NAS)
  • Ultrastar

HP HDD

  • MSA SAS
  • Server SATA
  • Server SAS
  • Midline SATA
  • Midline SAS

IBM HDD

  • V3700
  • Near Line
  • Express 2.5
  • V3700 2.5
  • Server
  • Near Line 2.5

LaCie HDD

  • Porsche/Mobile
  • Porsche
  • Rugged
  • d2

A-Data HDD

  • DashDrive
  • HV
  • Durable)
  • HD

Silicon Power HDD

  • Armor
  • Diamond
  • Stream

Toshiba HDD

  • MG, DT, MQ
  • P, X, L
  • N, S, V
  • DT, AL

Dell HDD

  • SAS
  • SCI
  • Hot-Plug

Verbatim HDD

  • Go(external)
  • Save

Team Group SSD

  • EVO/Lite/GX2 (TLC)
  • PD (external)

Silicon Power SSD

  • Velox/M/Slim
  • Ace (3D TLC)

Apacer SSD

  • M.2
  • ProII
  • Portable
  • Panther

Crucial SSD

  • BX
  • MX

GOODRAM SSD

  • CL (TLC)
  • PX (TLC)
  • Iridium (MLC/TLC)

Kingston SSD

  • Consumer
  • HyperX
  • Enterprise
  • Builder

Patriot SSD

  • Flare (MLC)
  • Scorch (MLC, M.2)
  • Spark (TLC)
  • Blast/P (TLC)
  • Burst (3D TLC)
  • Viper (TLC, M.2)

Samsung SSD

  • PRO (3D MLC)
  • EVO
  • QVO (3D QLC)
  • Portable
  • DCT
  • PM

Seagate SSD

  • Nytro
  • Maxtor
  • FireCuda
  • BarraCuda
  • Expansion
  • IronWolf

A-Data SSD

  • Premier (MLC/TLC)
  • Ultimate (3D NAND)
  • XPG
  • SC (external)
  • SE (external)
  • Durable

WD SSD

  • WD Blue
  • WD Green
  • WD Black
  • WD Red
  • WD Purple
  • WD Gold

Transcend SSD

  • SSDXXX
  • PATA
  • MTSXXX
  • MSAXXX
  • ESDXXX

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 16.04.2020 10:18 #
    Leave a comment if you have any troubleshooting questions about encountering Write Error Rate error in your HDD or SSD!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • 📀 Does the program recover data after reinstalling Windows or resetting the computer to its initial state?

    This utility is designed to recover data from deleted partitions and repartitioned disks. Follow these steps:

    1. Abort the Windows installation or reset operation.
    2. Connect the drive to another computer if you cannot boot the operating system.
    3. Use Full Analysis for the entire physical device to restore data from previously deleted partitions.
  • 🖥️ Can I access files on a VMware, Hyper-V, VirtualBox virtual hard disk?

    To connect disks with the extension like * .vmdk, * .vhdx, * .vdi, use the menu Tools - Mount disk.

    After connecting, you can select this disk in the program for analysis and data recovery.

  • 💽 My computer does not display a hard drive or an external USB drive. How can I copy files?

    The program can analyze a failed device that is not showing up in Windows Explorer.

    The list of physical devices is under the list of logical partitions. Select your drive and wait for the analysis to complete.

  • ⌛ If I pay for the program now, how long will it take before I receive my registration data?

    It depends on the payment method you use. If you order online with your credit card or PayPal, you will receive the registration key immediately after payment.

  • What are the requirements for successful data recovery?

    For successful recovery, you must stop using the storage device until the necessary files are fully restored.

    If it is an external drive, memory card or flash drive, then connect it to the PC and analyze them using our program.

    If the data is deleted as a result of formatting the system disk, resetting the operating system or reinstalling Windows, then stop further installation of the operating system and programs. Connect the drive to another computer and perform recovery operations.

    Recovered files must be saved to a different drive.

  • ⏱️ How long does it take to recover my data?

    Data recovery can take a long time if you work with a disk larger than 1 terabyte. Faulty drives can also be scanned for a long time. However, in most cases, recovery takes less than 30 minutes.

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