Yes, the drive is failing and yes, it  needs to be replaced.

question #1: What is the DST short test error? if it was a 142 test, it is a read error and is coming from the hard drive. If it is a xxxx-0146 error, more likely that it is a residual error from a previous replacement.

Question #2: You mentioned about replacing the hard drive again with the same error result. Is it the same error message?

At any rate, DST short test errors may indicate a hard drive failure, but we need to drill down on the error message before we can deduce that it is a hard drive problem. It may just be bios update that needs to be performed.

DST means the drive is failing its internal self test - a test built into the drive by the manufacturer of the hard drive itself.

The error code is 0146 and an additional message "Unit 0:DST Log Contains previous errors".I'm also freezing on stage 5 of Scandisk.I do admit I didn't fully observe anti-static practices when replacing this Hdd ,but I figured the hdd is encased and it wasn't necessary

Hi Tennocee,

I would suggest that you run DST via an alternative method.  Dell's DST short execution on the portables will continue to fail for "previous DST failure" if it has failed DST EVER.

If a particle inside the drive happened to obstruct a location being read while DST was executing it, it could result in a failure to read that location at that time.  If the particle happens to move or be moved (via hard drive supplier's say offline media sweep) then the location could be ok again.  However, DST Short or Long execution via Dell Diagnostics will still fail for "previous DST failure".

3rd party applications that can kick off DST on a drive are probably a "dime a dozen" now.  I would suggest looking on CNET's site www.download.com and search for "drive self test".

 Thanks!

I see your point and I'll try your suggestion .I surely don't wont to update the bios unless absolutely necessary.Especially if I'm not positive it will correct the problem.I'll let you know how it turns out.