SMART Extended Self Test on a new Hard Disk

[MySeaGateIsDown]

Is it normal that the SMART extended self test to run for hours on a new hard disk. So far, the test is running on my laptop for 2 hours. What is it doing? If I stop the test, will it damage the hard disk? How long will it usually run?

The progress is the same for an hour - http://imgur.com/aeyPzA4

For your references -
Hard disk - Hitachi 7200 RPM, 1 TB.
Software - Dell SupportAssist
Test - SMART Extended Self Test
Drive Status - Nothing installed, except Windows 7, drivers and Dell SupportAssist.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hi again mate.

Extended tests usually take up a lot of time as the program scans the drive sector by sector. If it keeps going and it's not frozen or anything, don't worry about it for now. Let me know if there's anything unusual in the results afterwards.

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD