Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CrystalDiskInfo usage, compatibility, and troubleshooting. For more help, visit the forum or the main CrystalDiskInfo page.
Health & Status
What does it mean if CrystalDiskInfo reports my drive status as "Caution" or "Bad"?
It means specific S.M.A.R.T. attributes have degraded. We recommend backing up data immediately.
Compatibility & Values
Why does the "Power On Hours" count seem incorrect on my Maxtor hard drive?
Some older Maxtor drives use a non-standard method for reporting power-on time. The value may not match other tools; focus on health status and reallocated sector counts for reliability.
Why does the "Buffer Size" field show as "Unknown" or display incorrect values?
Not all drives report buffer size via S.M.A.R.T. or ATA identify. CrystalDiskInfo shows what the drive reports; unknown or incorrect values are a drive firmware limitation.
Why is the "Rotation Rate" not displayed for my disk?
SSDs have no rotation rate. Some HDDs do not report this field in their identify data. If the drive is detected and S.M.A.R.T. works, other data is still valid.
Detection & Troubleshooting
Why does CrystalDiskInfo say "No Disk Found" when I open the program?
Run as Administrator, ensure drivers are not blocking access, and check that drives are visible in Windows Disk Management. External USB drives may need to be connected before starting the program.
Why are my Samsung HD155UI or HD204UI drives not showing up in the list?
Some Samsung models have known compatibility issues with certain SATA controllers or drivers. Try updating chipset drivers or using a different port; check the forum for model-specific workarounds.
My external USB drive isn't responding or showing data. How can I fix this?
Ensure the drive is powered and recognized in Windows. Enable USB/IEEE 1394 options in Advanced Features if needed. Some USB bridges do not support S.M.A.R.T.; try a different enclosure or cable.
General
Does it work on Mac/Linux?
No, CrystalDiskInfo is a Windows-exclusive utility (XP through Windows 11/Server).
Is it free?
Yes, it is 100% free and Open Source under the MIT License.
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