What is a DST Failure?
DST stands for “Drive Self Test”, which is a diagnostics test run by the hard drive to check its hardware integrity and performance. A DST failure indicates that the hard drive detected errors during this self-test process.
DST failures happen when there are issues with the physical hard drive hardware, such as bad sectors, mechanical flaws, or degraded components. The errors prevent the drive from fully completing the test successfully. Some common symptoms of a DST failure include:
- Difficulty starting up or loading the operating system
- Hearing strange noises like grinding or clicking from the hard drive
- Programs freezing or crashing frequently
- Corrupted data or errors when trying to access files
- Warning messages about hard drive problems from system utilities
A DST failure makes it clear there are physical issues with the hard drive. If the problems persist after troubleshooting, it typically means the drive needs to be repaired or replaced.
Causes of Long DST Failures
There are several potential causes of long DST failures:
Server Misconfiguration
Issues with server settings like incorrect time synchronization or incompatible disk formats can lead to long DST failures. Setting the wrong time zone or having mismatching disk formats across servers are common configuration problems.
Network Issues
Network connectivity problems like high latency, packet loss, or network partitioning can interrupt disk self tests and cause them to fail. An unstable network will make it difficult for servers to communicate and coordinate disk operations.
Protocol Incompatibility
Using incompatible communication protocols between servers and storage can also lead to long DST failures. For example, older storage devices may not support the latest protocols used by newer servers.
Software Bugs
Bugs in system or storage software can sometimes incorrectly trigger long DST failures. Updating to the latest stable software versions can resolve issues caused by bugs.
Troubleshooting Steps
There are several troubleshooting steps you can take when facing long DST failures:
First, check your server settings. Verify that the time and date are set correctly on the server. An incorrect time can lead to synchronization issues when the DST test runs, resulting in failures. Refer to your operating system’s documentation for instructions on configuring the date and time properly.
Next, verify network connectivity between the server and clients. Issues like packet loss or high latency can disrupt the DST test. Check that all relevant firewall ports are open and that network hardware is functioning correctly.
You may also want to retry the DST request using TCP instead of UDP. TCP provides more reliable data transfer than UDP, which can help the test complete properly if network issues are interfering.
Finally, ensure client and server software is up to date. Older versions may contain DST calculation bugs that are resolved in newer releases. Updating to the latest stable versions can fix compatibility issues.
If the problem persists after trying these steps, further troubleshooting may be required. However, these tips should resolve many common DST failure causes.
Server Configuration
One common cause of long DST failures is incorrect date, time, or timezone settings on the server. To troubleshoot, first check that the time sync service is running and able to update the system clock (e.g. NTP). An inaccurate system time can lead to issues when DST rules change. Next, validate the DST rules and timezone configured on the server are up-to-date for your region. Sometimes DST rules change but the system does not get updated automatically. You can manually update the timezone files and reboot the server to load the new rules. Finally, verify the timezone set for your operating system and applications matches your physical location – an incorrect timezone can shift DST transitions by an hour and break applications.
According to Klei’s support article, incorrect date, time and timezone settings are a common cause of Dedicated Server Failed to Start errors on game servers like Don’t Starve Together.
Network Diagnostics
One method for troubleshooting long DST failures is to perform network diagnostics between the local and remote systems. This can help identify where failures or latency issues may be occurring along the route.
Suggested network diagnostics include:
- Ping remote host – Send ICMP echo request packets to the remote system to test basic connectivity and latency. This can identify general network issues.1
- Trace route to remote host – Trace the path packets take to the remote system to identify any hops with high latency or packet loss. This can pinpoint the source of network issues.2
- Check MTU size – Ensure the maximum transmission unit size is properly configured along the network path. MTU issues can lead to fragmentation and poor performance.3
- Inspect traffic with packet sniffer – Use a tool like Wireshark to inspect the actual network packets and protocol communication between systems. This can reveal errors, timeouts, and other issues.1
Diagnosing the network path between systems is an important step in troubleshooting long DST failures and restoring proper communication.
Software Updates
Updating network software, operating systems, and firmware can often resolve DST failures. Software updates frequently include fixes for bugs that can cause hardware issues like DST failures. It is important to keep all system software up-to-date to benefit from the latest patches and improvements.
Specifically, make sure to update any network drivers and management software. Network software is critical for proper communication between devices, and outdated versions can lead to connectivity issues that manifest as DST failures. Install the latest network driver packages available from the manufacturers.
Also patch your operating systems regularly, both on servers and client machines. Operating system updates often address core compatibility and performance issues that can contribute to DST failures. Keep Windows, Linux, and any other OSes at their most recent service pack levels.
Additionally, update the firmware on storage devices, RAID controllers, motherboards, and other hardware. Upgrading firmware fixes problems with how components function and interact. Flash storage devices in particular require firmware updates to fix stability and data integrity bugs.
Changing Protocols
One way to potentially fix DST failures is by changing the network protocols used for time synchronization. There are a couple different options:
Switch from UDP to TCP – The Network Time Protocol (NTP) typically uses UDP for time synchronization. Switching to TCP instead of UDP can sometimes resolve DST issues, as TCP provides more robust error checking and packet delivery guarantees compared to UDP. However, TCP can add more overhead, so this may impact synchronization performance and accuracy.[1]
Use ICMP instead of UDP/TCP – Another option is using the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) for time synchronization instead of UDP or TCP. Some believe ICMP can provide better timestamp accuracy compared to UDP and with less overhead than TCP. However, not all NTP server implementations support ICMP.[2]
Changing protocols requires updating configurations on the NTP clients and servers. It’s recommended to test protocol changes in a staging environment first before rolling out to production.
Overall, utilizing a different protocol can potentially resolve DST failures in some scenarios, but results can vary.
[1] https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/Hard-drive-short-DST-check-failed-HP-Pavilion-15-e072sa/td-p/4206592
[2] https://www.thewindowsclub.com/smart-check-passed-short-dst-failed-hp
Configuration Examples
There are several ways to configure devices and software to help prevent or mitigate long DST failures. Here are some examples for common operating systems and network hardware:
Sample Linux Server Config
On Linux servers, you can adjust the power management settings to prevent aggressive power-saving that can lead to DST issues. In the /etc/default/grub file, add the following kernel parameters:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="noapic acpi=off intel_idle.max_cstate=1"
This will disable APIC and some ACPI functions as well as limit the idle power state on Intel CPUs (Source: https://recoverit.wondershare.com/partition-tips/fix-hard-drive-dst-short-test-failed.html). Be sure to run ‘update-grub’ after making changes.
Example Cisco Router Setup
For Cisco routers, you can adjust settings to keep interface circuits powered up during periods of low traffic. This prevents repeated power cycling that can cause DST issues over time. Some example commands:
interface FastEthernet0/0 no shutdown no carrier-delay macro auto port sticky end
This will bring up the interface, disable carrier delay, and enable sticky port power (Source: https://www.stellarinfo.com/blog/fix-hard-drive-dst-short-test-failed/)
Windows Registry Settings
On Windows machines, you can modify registry settings related to power management to prevent overly aggressive power saving. Some keys to adjust include:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\238C9FA8-0AAD-41ED-83F4-97BE242C8F20\7bc4a2f9-d8fc-4469-b07b-33eb785aaca0 - Change Attributes to 2 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\7516b95f-f776-4464-8c53-06167f40cc99\8EC4B3A5-6868-48c2-BE75-4F3044BE88A7 - Change Attributes to 2
This prevents the hard disk from powering down too quickly (Source: https://www.easeus.com/computer-instruction/hard-disk-dst-short-test-failed.html). Adjust with caution.
Preventative Measures
One of the best ways to avoid long DST failures is to take preventative measures. Here are some key steps:
Schedule regular maintenance for systems that handle time synchronization and scheduling. Set reminders to check configurations and update software before DST changes occur. Preventative maintenance can catch issues before they cause failures.
Monitor logs and warnings related to time synchronization across servers, networks, and applications. Many systems provide alerts about pending time changes and synchronization issues. Stay on top of these warnings to get ahead of potential DST errors.
Test fallback procedures in advance of DST changes. Simulate a time change failure to confirm that backup protocols work as expected. This may involve altering a server’s time, disconnecting network links, or other tests. Advanced testing ensures recovery processes will function if needed.
According to an article on Axios, the national effort to stop clock changes has failed in recent years due to lack of support to pass legislation. However, regular maintenance as described here can still prevent headaches from the ongoing DST time changes (source).
When to Call for Support
If the DST failure persists after you have exhausted all of the troubleshooting steps, it may be time to call in professional support. Large or complex networks that rely heavily on the system experiencing the DST failure may require immediate assistance from experienced IT support staff. Additionally, if the troubleshooting requires specialized expertise outside of your capabilities, it is best to hand over the reins to dedicated support specialists.
Some examples of when to call for professional IT support for a recurring DST failure include:
- You have worked through all recommended fixes like software/driver updates, hardware tests, and configuration changes but the DST failure returns
- The system experiencing the failure is critical infrastructure that your business depends on to operate
- Advanced network, database, or security analysis is required to diagnose the root cause
- You need to restore data from backups but do not have the expertise in-house
- Hardware components may need replacement but you lack the time/resources to source parts and conduct repairs
Waiting too long to call for support can result in extended downtimes and greater disruption for your organization. IT support specialists have the skills and experience to quickly troubleshoot complex DST failures, implement effective long-term solutions, and get your infrastructure operational again.