How to Scan and Repair SSDs on a Linux Server

Solid State Drives (SSDs) are widely used in servers as they provide faster data access and improved performance compared to traditional hard drives. However, like any other storage device, SSDs can develop errors or issues over time. In this tutorial, we will show you how to scan and repair SSDs on a Linux server using the command-line tool “smartctl”.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that you should always backup your data before attempting any disk repair.

Step 1: Install the smartmontools package

The first step is to make sure the “smartmontools” package is installed on your server. This package contains the “smartctl” utility, which we will use to scan and repair the SSDs. To install the package, use the following command:

sudo apt-get install smartmontools

Step 2: Scan the SSD with a short self-test

To initiate a short self-test, use the following command:

sudo smartctl -t short /dev/sda

Replace “/dev/sda” with the device name of the SSD you want to scan. You can check the status of the self-test by using the command:

sudo smartctl -l selftest /dev/sda

Step 3: Check the SMART attributes of the SSD

If any errors are found during the scan, you can use the command “sudo smartctl -a /dev/sda” to check the SMART attributes of the SSD and see if any reallocated or pending sectors are present.

Step 4: Repair errors with a long self-test

If there are any reallocated or pending sectors, you can use the command “sudo smartctl -t long /dev/sda” to initiate a long self-test, which will attempt to repair any errors found on the SSD.

It is important to note that the names of storage devices can vary depending on the system and configuration, so it’s a good idea to double-check the device name before running any commands that may affect the data on the device. You can use the “lsblk” command to list the names of all available storage devices connected to your Linux server. The output will include the names of all disk drives, including hard drives and SSDs, as well as any connected USB drives or other external storage devices.

In conclusion, by using the smartctl tool, you can easily scan and repair SSDs on a Linux server. Remember to always have a backup of your data before attempting any disk repair.