I recently got his problem with my My Book 2 TB HDD: Every time I get to transfer (save) a file from my PC to the HDD I am getting this error: “The semaphore timeout period has expired” (before I get this message there is a longer period of freeze time where the HDD is constantly doing something).
My HDD is at 444 GB of 1.81 TB free space. If I remove a file on the HDD I can save a new one, but after this free space is breached I am getting the message. Is the HDD broken or is it a Windows error ?
This is a very unusual error message, and I would recommend performing reliability and S.M.A.R.T. status tests to your unit, as explained in the following link:
I did run the tests according to the instructions on the link and here are the resuls:
Test Option:
QUICK TEST
Model Number:
WD My Book 1130
Unit Serial Number:
[Deleted - Trancer]
Firmware Number:
1016
Capacity:
2000.37 GB
SMART Status:
PASS
Test Result:
FAIL
Test Error Code:
06-Quick Test on drive 3 did not complete! Status code = 07 (Failed read test element), Failure Checkpoint = 97 (Unknown Test) SMART self-test did not complete on drive 3!
Test Time:
13:04:54, November 03, 2013
Test Option:
EXTENDED TEST
Model Number:
WD My Book 1130
Unit Serial Number:
[Deleted - Trancer]
Firmware Number:
1016
Capacity:
2000.37 GB
SMART Status:
PASS
Test Result:
FAIL
Test Error Code:
08-Too many bad sectors detected.
Test Time:
13:09:31, November 03, 2013
Does this mean that my HDD is broken :(? Can a drive format help with something?
I forgot to mention that I have the latest firmware installed (the latest on WD site - 1.016) and my HDD is always kept on a desk without any vibrations that can cause damage to the disk plates (bad sectors)
The unit has failed the tests, which unfortunately means the disk is not in a healthy condition. I would recommend replacing the device under warranty.
