How to Fix “-bash: hdparm: command not found” on Linux CentOS 6.3

In the vast world of web servers, encountering errors is a common occurrence. These errors, while frustrating, provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of server management. One such error that Linux CentOS 6.3 users may encounter is the “-bash: hdparm: command not found” error. This error typically occurs when the hdparm utility is not installed on your system. Hdparm is a command line utility used to set and view hardware parameters of hard disk drives.

In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to resolve this error on your Linux CentOS 6.3 system. Whether you’re a seasoned webmaster or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to fix this error and ensure your server operates smoothly.

Step 1: Confirming the Error

The first step in resolving the “-bash: hdparm: command not found” error is to confirm that the error is indeed occurring. To do this, you can attempt to run the hdparm command in your terminal. If the hdparm utility is not installed, you will see the “-bash: hdparm: command not found” error.

[root@centos63 ~]# hdparm -t /dev/sda
-bash: hdparm: command not found

Step 2: Updating Your System

Before installing new software, it’s always a good idea to ensure your system is up-to-date. This can prevent compatibility issues and ensure the smooth installation of new software. To update your CentOS 6.3 system, you can use the following command:

sudo yum update

This command will update all the packages on your system to their latest versions.

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Step 3: Installing the hdparm Utility

Once your system is up-to-date, you can proceed with installing the hdparm utility. This can be done using the yum package manager, which is included by default in CentOS 6.3. The command to install hdparm is:

sudo yum install hdparm

After running this command, the yum package manager will retrieve the hdparm package from its repositories and install it on your system.

[root@centos63 ~]# yum install hdparm -y
Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, presto, priorities
Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
 * base: mirrors.sin3.sg.voxel.net
 * extras: mirrors.sin3.sg.voxel.net
 * updates: mirror.issp.co.th
Setting up Install Process
Resolving Dependencies
--> Running transaction check
---> Package hdparm.i686 0:9.16-3.4.el6 will be installed
--> Finished Dependency Resolution

Dependencies Resolved

====================================================================================================
 Package               Arch                Version                        Repository           Size
====================================================================================================
Installing:
 hdparm                i686                9.16-3.4.el6                   base                 72 k

Transaction Summary
====================================================================================================
Install       1 Package(s)

Total download size: 72 k
Installed size: 134 k
Downloading Packages:
Setting up and reading Presto delta metadata
Processing delta metadata
Package(s) data still to download: 72 k
hdparm-9.16-3.4.el6.i686.rpm                                                 |  72 kB     00:00
Running rpm_check_debug
Running Transaction Test
Transaction Test Succeeded
Running Transaction
  Installing : hdparm-9.16-3.4.el6.i686                                                         1/1
  Verifying  : hdparm-9.16-3.4.el6.i686                                                         1/1

Installed:
  hdparm.i686 0:9.16-3.4.el6

Complete!

Step 4: Verifying the Installation

After installing the hdparm utility, it’s important to verify that the installation was successful. You can do this by running the hdparm command again in your terminal. If the installation was successful, you should no longer see the “-bash: hdparm: command not found” error.

[root@centos63 ~]# rpm -qa | grep hdparm
hdparm-9.16-3.4.el6.i686

Step 5: Understanding and Using hdparm

Now that the hdparm utility is installed on your system, it’s important to understand how to use it. Hdparm is a powerful tool that can be used to set and view hardware parameters of hard disk drives. However, it should be used with caution, as incorrect usage can lead to data loss.

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To view the parameters of a hard disk, you can use the following command:

sudo hdparm /dev/sda

Replace “/dev/sda” with the path to your hard disk. This command will display a variety of information about your hard disk, including its model number, serial number, and various capabilities.

To change the parameters of a hard disk, you can use the -B flag followed by a value. For example, the following command sets the Advanced Power Management level to 127:

sudo hdparm -B 127 /dev/sda

Again, replace “/dev/sda” with the path to your hard disk. The value 127 sets the Advanced Power Management level to a balance between power consumption and performance.

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Commands Mentioned

  • sudo yum update – Updates all the packages on your system to their latest versions.
  • sudo yum install hdparm – Installs the hdparm utility on your system.
  • sudo hdparm /dev/sda – Displays the parameters of a hard disk.
  • sudo hdparm -B 127 /dev/sda – Sets the Advanced Power Management level of a hard disk.

Conclusion

Resolving the “-bash: hdparm: command not found” error on Linux CentOS 6.3 is a straightforward process that involves confirming the error, updating your system, installing the hdparm utility, and verifying the installation. Once the hdparm utility is installed, it can be used to set and view hardware parameters of hard disk drives.

This guide has provided you with the knowledge and steps necessary to resolve this error. However, it’s important to remember that server management is a continuous learning process. As you continue to manage your server, you will undoubtedly encounter new errors and challenges. But with the right knowledge and resources, you can overcome these challenges and ensure your server operates smoothly.

If you’re interested in learning more about specific servers like Apache, Nginx, or LiteSpeed, you can check out our detailed explanations on Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed.

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