Hey guys. It was recommended to me that I check out these forums, and from what it looks like you guys seem pretty knowledgeable. I was wondering if you guys had experience with this error -- the Reallocated Sector Count is what is causing issues on my laptop's HDD, according to the SMART data. I'm by no means a technical guru, so I have no idea what this means. Could you guys perhaps help me figure out what this is, and any way to fix it? I don't really have any data on the HDD worth saving, but it'd be great to just restore it to factory. Also, if you guys need anymore data to figure this out, I'd be glad to provide it. Thanks a lot for the help.

This is a common failure drives sustain over time due to various factors. Best thing to do is to back up your data while you can, and quickly plan on transioning to a new drive.

To get a better idea what it has to do with, look up smart on wikipedia.

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Hard Disk Drive, SSD, USB Drive and RAID Data Recovery Specialist in Massachusetts

... or ask someone who can fix the disk IN A PROFESSIONAL WAY (nothing you can do on your own) for a fraction of the cost of a new drive. The drive comes back like brand new.
The problem is normal wear and tear , the annoying part is that a drive that can have a "second" and even a 3rd, 4th life without this option has only a chance of being discarded :S

NO you can't do it without VERY EXPENSIVE tools and in your case even the most expensive tools are not enough as it is a Toshiba .

I could be of help, the only problem is that I am at the opposite corner of Planet Earth.

Agree- Duplicate asap to new drive. Drives are so inexpensive- so I usually recommend it be tossed out. BlackSt works with large quantities where there is some value and is able to remanufacture them to a new spec. Sending just one hard drive- postage exceeds cost of purchase new! I prefer to not continue using any drive that is failing as I am concerned it could degrade further even if it can be repaired, as change has occured in the drive for ??? reason.

I really appreciate the help guys, I think I know what I need to do now. Have a good day