Check harddisk with s.m.a.r.t

apt-get install smartmontools
smartctl  -i /dev/sda1 -> to check if smart if activated
smartctl -s on /dev/sda1 -> this turn on sata (if it isn't activated yet)
smartctl -H /dev/sda1 -> check health status of harddisk (passed is good!)
smartctl -t short /dev/sda -> make a short test (runs about 2 minutes in the background)
smartctl -l selftest /dev/sda -> returns the values of the test (after about 2 minutes)