What tools read SMART data and can run on USB bootable media?
I'm looking for a bootable tool that provide SMART values from my HDD if there is such a thing.
So far I'm only able to get into the recovery mode of my MacBook Pro and I need to confirm a malfunctioning HDD.
As far as I know I can't install any software in Recovery Mode? I have SMART utility but I can't think of any way on how to use it like this.
Any good recommendations for a USB or CD bootable solution to check my HDD SMART values?
The process to make your own test rig is quite easy:
- Install OS X onto a USB hard drive. A partition with 20 GB should be just fine.
- Use the Startup Disk preference pane to reboot to that new OS and create an admin user.
- Install homebrew - https://brew.sh
- Install smartmontools -
brew install smartmontools - Get a USB drive or SD card if you don't want to boot from the hard drive/partition.
- Thin out files if your image won't fit on the chosen media (or buy larger media)
- Use Disk Utility to Restore the OS from the partition to the media chosen
Now you have a UDB/SD card that can boot your Mac and run one of the best free SMART tools.