Hello this is my first post here
Yesterday my Vista SYSTEM warned me with a pop-up message saying that my HDD reported a smart error and I'd have to backup my important stuff and replace the HDD. My HDD is still functioning very well. Is there any possibility that the SMART report is wrong? MAYBE it reported that because my HDD was running 3 days nonstop at a temperature of 42C. Please respond.


EDiT: NOTE: I bought this drive 2 months ago
  Yes it is possible that the SMART report is wrong - but why take the chance of losing data. Back up your data NOW - then you can debate the accuracy of SMART warnings.

EDIT - 3 days is nothing to a harddrive and 42C is not a problem.I had a post error with one of my hard drives, and it ran PERFECTLY well for the next 7 years (then it got bad sectors and I just replaced it).

You don't need to replace the HDD, but BACKING up your data more frequently then you are (should be) would be advisable.you can still USE your Hard disk, i have also experience the same error with my Maxtor 40gb hard drive, but  still using it and have no problems....

You must backup your data frequently, though,in case of disaster....

Goodluck!
I've never had a SMART error that was reporting wrongly... I agree with patio.  However if you do disagree or doubt the accuracy of the smart error.  Most HDD manufacturers will have diagnostic software on their websites.  Check there and see if you can't test it on your own to make sure it is functioning properly.  If it clears the diagnostics from the manufacturer I wouldn't think you have an immediate problem.

NOTE:  It is always a good idea to have current backups of anything you can't live without

best of luck