Disk Diagnostics

[Oliver Zell_1]

When I use the online diagnostics to check disks, with the information tool an entry occures with NON-MEDIUM ERRORS and a count.

What does this mean?

Media surface error?
Non low or high error?
Is there a need to take action?

[nelson broskey]

Different disk vendors products report differently with regard to error logging. Your question regarding non medium errors sounds most typically like a Seagate model disk. Error logging includes read, write, and verify page counters. Error counts in the "without delay" category are common. Errors that cause delay usually indicate media trouble where ECC has not been able to correct on the fly and the data surface must be re-read...sometimes repeatedly .. to capture the information. Higher density disks (18Gb, 36Gb,and up) report a much higher correctable (with ECC) error rate so dont panic if comparisons are off with smaller sized drives. If errors OTHER than these media related errors occur (like onboard controller, servo, or mechanical), then you may find counts in the non-medium error category. We usually consider mechanism replacement for any non-medium errors, entries in the GROWING defect list, or errors corrected WITH delay in any of the read, write, or verify page counters.
Compare the logs of all of your mechanisms. If there is an offender it usually stands out easily from the rest!