smartmontools
A cross-platform disk health toolkit containing smartctl and smartd for reading SMART data, running device self-tests and monitoring ATA, SATA, SCSI and NVMe drives.
What smartmontools provides
smartmontools combines smartctl for interactive inspection and self-tests with smartd for scheduled monitoring and alerts. It can expose identity, temperature, error logs, attributes and test history for supported ATA, SATA, SCSI and NVMe devices across desktop and server systems.
Read-only first, permissions second
Direct device access usually requires administrator or root privileges. Start with read-only commands, record a dated baseline and understand each option before changing SMART settings or running a long test. SMART can reveal some degrading conditions but cannot predict every sudden controller, firmware, power or mechanical failure; backups remain essential.
Maintenance note
This page reviews smartmontools 7.5, platform installation, device enumeration, SMART baselines, self-tests, smartd notifications and GPLv2 boundaries. Content review date: 2026-08-23.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave smartmontools to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save smartmontools to this cloud drive
smartmontools 7.5 read-only checks, self-tests and monitoring guide
Build a device inventory and read-only baseline first, run controlled self-tests during a maintenance window, then configure smartd only after its alert path has been verified.
Before you start
- Back up important data and record device paths, models, serial numbers, interfaces and whether a disk is inside RAID, USB or a virtual machine.
- Prepare administrator or root access and a low-load maintenance window for self-tests.
- If a disk is failing and has no backup, reduce writes and prioritize data recovery instead of starting with a long test.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the matching package
Use the Windows installer, macOS image or Linux and BSD package for the target system, and verify the installed 7.5 version.
- 02
Enumerate physical devices
List visible devices and confirm targets by model, capacity and serial number. USB bridges, HBAs and RAID controllers may need an explicit device type.
- 03
Save a read-only baseline
Capture identity, health, attributes, error logs, self-test history and device statistics in a dated text file, masking serial numbers before sharing it.
Quick start
- 01
Read the important fields
Review media errors, pending or uncorrectable sectors, reallocation, temperature, interface errors and self-test history instead of relying on one overall status line.
- 02
Run a suitable self-test
Check supported tests and estimated duration, start with a short test after confirming the backup, and schedule an extended test when the device is idle.
- 03
Configure smartd
Monitor only approved devices and attributes, set logs and notifications, trigger a test alert, and store the reviewed configuration with change history.
Usage tips
- Some smartctl options change device settings or enable automatic tests; use them only after confirming the exact target and effect.
- An alert without a visible recipient and response process does not reduce data-loss risk.
- Virtual disks, USB bridges and hardware RAID may expose only controller-level state, so combine SMART output with system logs and backup checks.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why is SMART unavailable or the device type unknown?
Check the path, interface and bridge support, and whether the controller exposes pass-through. Avoid guessing write-capable options; use a vendor read-only tool when needed.
Why does smartd log events but send no notification?
Check the notification command, mail transport, permissions and environment, then trigger a test event and confirm delivery at the final recipient.
- Stop monitoring and preserve evidenceStop smartd, save the baseline, recent alerts and response notes, and confirm that no maintenance job still depends on the service.
- Remove packages and extra privilegesUninstall the package and remove dedicated elevation rules and notification credentials while retaining the diagnostic history required for asset records.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between smartctl and smartd?
smartctl performs interactive queries and tests on a device, while smartd runs as a background monitor and can record or notify about changes.
Can SMART predict every disk failure?
No. It identifies some degrading conditions, but sudden power, controller, firmware and mechanical failures can occur without a useful warning.
Why does the command need administrator privileges?
SMART data requires direct physical-device access on many systems. Grant only the permissions needed for the reviewed commands or service.