Error code 2000-0151 is a clear sign from Dell’s built‐in diagnostics that your hard drive is reporting SMART (Self‐Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) errors—in other words, the drive is failing or “cooked.” While the message is very alarming, it doesn’t mean that every single file is immediately lost. However, it does mean that you need to act very quickly to save any important data. Below are some steps you can take: Understand the Error Dell’s error code 2000-0151 typically indicates that the drive’s internal diagnostics have detected signs of impending failure (for example, bad sectors or other reliability issues) . Many Dell users and experts agree that when you see this error repeatedly, it’s a “red flag” that the drive is nearing the end of its useful life . Immediate Actions to Safeguard Your Data Avoid Repeated Restarts: Every time the drive is powered on, there’s a risk of additional damage. Shut down the laptop and avoid any further boot attempts. Remove the Drive (If You’re Comfortable): If you have some technical know-how (or can get a friend/technician who does), consider removing the hard drive from your XPS 15 9560. Once removed, use a SATA-to-USB adapter or an external enclosure to connect the drive to another computer. This can give you a chance to copy your files before the drive fails completely. 3. Boot from External Media: If the laptop can still power on but won’t boot from the internal drive, try booting from a live USB (like a Linux distribution or Windows recovery media) to access the files and back them up. Data Recovery Options DIY Software Recovery: If the drive is still detectable once connected externally, you might try using data recovery tools (for example, software like DiskInternals Partition Recovery) that can scan the drive and help you recover files . Professional Recovery Service: If the drive is too far gone or the files are not accessible via DIY methods, you may need to contact a professional data recovery service. Keep in mind that these services can be expensive, but they are often the last resort to retrieve critical data. Final Recommendations Since your laptop holds years of important files and you’re understandably panicking, try not to stress too much. The error means that Dell is recommending a hard drive replacement—which is almost always necessary once these SMART errors appear. The priority now is to get your data off the drive. Backup immediately: Remove the drive (or boot externally) and copy all essential files to another storage device. Plan for Replacement: Once your data is secured, you can proceed with replacing the drive and reinstalling your operating system. Seek Help if Needed: If you’re not comfortable opening your laptop or handling sensitive data recovery, consider consulting a professional technician who can assist with both data retrieval and the replacement process. I hope this helps to calm your worries and gives you a clear action plan. Remember, many have been in your situation and managed to recover their data with careful handling. Good luck! Answer from Domipro143 on reddit.com