A subsequent version of the standard improved failure prediction by adding an automatic off-line read scan to monitor additional operations. Online attributes are always updated while the offline attributes get updated when the HDD is not under working condition. If there is an immediate need to update the offline attributes, the HDD slows down and the offline attributes get updated. The latest "S.M.A.R.T." technology not only monitors hard drive activities but adds failure prevention by attempting to detect and repair sector errors.