The hard disk is one of the main components of the computer. In fact, computers are used to process the data contained in the hard disk. This data can be photos, music, documents, emails, etc. Most computer components are electronic devices. Unlike mechanical devices and tools such as cars, etc., they should not deteriorate over time. The hard disk, however, is a mechanical device, one of the few used in modern computing, and, as such, sooner or later it will stop working. It is important to learn to recognize the warning signs that are given to us by our hard drive when it is close to failure, in this way, if you have not already made a backup, you will have the possibility to recover all your data before it is too late..
Steps
Step 1. Know when your hard drive is about to give up
Although it is not always possible to notice that your hard disk is malfunctioning and is close to failure, it is still important to remain alert for such symptoms, so, badly, you will be able to save the data on another medium, or even have the hard disk repaired by a technician. The hard disk (or hard drive) is a very delicate component, do not try to open it yourself unless you know what you are doing and, above all, if you have to open it, make sure that the disks are not exposed to the open air - a hard drive should only be opened in class 100 clean rooms, otherwise, it will be instantly damaged by dust particles. Also remember that it is much easier and cheaper to back up than to have your data recovered by a professional. Once any signs of malfunction are detected you should immediately make sure that you have a backup copy of all your data, or, if not, create one. In this way, when the hard disk stops working, you can enforce your guarantee or buy another one, while still having the certainty of being able to transfer all the data that was in the old hard disk to the new one using the backup copy. The time and money required for this last operation are significantly lower than that required by a technician to recover your data.
Step 2. Watch out for strange noises:
Sometimes, the presence of strange scratching and screeching noises inside the hard drive means that it is close to total failure - for example, if head failure occurs, it often means that your hard drive has come to an end.. Or, the noise could be caused by the hard disk motor or by noisy bearings. If you hear strange noises, act quickly - your hard drive probably won't work for much longer.
Step 3. Also beware of disappearing data and disk errors:
your computer refuses to save a document? Yesterday you saved a file on your desktop and now you can't find it anymore? Do programs that have always worked stop working when they cannot find the path to the files necessary for their operation? All of these are signs that your hard drive is on its way to sunset. Of course, it may also be that the files have disappeared because someone moved them or because of a virus, but generally, disappearing data is never a good sign for the health of the hard drive, especially if you have spotted others. malfunctions.
Step 4. The computer does not recognize the hard drive:
While it might seem obvious to you, if your computer doesn't recognize the hard drive, it's probably the hard drive that's having a problem, not your computer. Test the hard drive on a friend's computer and see if his computer recognizes it. Often times, this is a logical malfunction - unless you hear strange noises that indicate serious mechanical problems or head problems.
Step 5. The computer crashes:
Is the computer giving blue screens or does it keep restarting? Does it crash frequently, especially when it comes to rebooting the system? If your computer crashes so often, especially while accessing files (such as during the boot sequence), it could be indicative of hard drive problems.
Step 6. Access times too long:
It doesn't have to take half an hour to open folders in Windows Explorer or two hours to empty the recycle bin. When this happens, typically, the hard drive is about to fail, probably within a month or two.
Step 7. As already mentioned, pay close attention to noises
As soon as you start hearing abnormal noises coming from the case, immediately turn off the computer or hard drive in question. Study the sound of the hard drive when it is new, and you will notice changes in the noise when it is older.
Step 8. If your computer always crashes or cannot find specified files that until recently were easily accessible, it is a sign that the hard drive is about to leave you, or, it could be a file system problem in the disk formatting
These types of errors are typically, but not always, fixed using the chdsk command, which comes with all Windows installations. To fix a file system error on drive C:; open the command prompt as administrator - if you are using Vista or newer - and type “chdsk C: / f”. If you want chdsk to also check for file and data errors you can add a parameter: “chkdsk C: / f / r”. In this way, chkdsk will check and repair errors found in the file system structure on the C: drive, using the / r parameter in addition, it will also check and repair any file or data errors. If you have more than one hard drive it is advisable to use chkdsk on all additional hard drives installed in your computer, replacing the drive letter C: with the respective drive letter. For example, for disk E: the command will be “chkdsk E: / f / r”. In most cases, just using this command will repair most file system errors, allowing the drive to return to normal operation. Anyway, if you run into the error again while rebooting or within 12 hours of operation of the same drive that caused the error earlier, your hard drive is failing and what you should do is try to save as many as many files as possible, as fast as you can. Remember that the more you continue to use the hard disk, the more it will get damaged.
Advice
- Why do hard drives fail?
- Media malfunction: if the hard drive has been handled improperly or the magnetic disks have been scratched and scratched, or if you receive read / write errors or low-level formatting problems, you are facing a media malfunction. This type of malfunction is relatively rare. Once the magnetic disks have been scratched or scratched, you can also say goodbye to your data.
- Logical malfunctions: logical malfunctions are those malfunctions in which the problem lies in the software and electronic part of the hard drive, for example the firmware. It typically doesn't cost much to fix this type of problem but, unfortunately, it's another rare type of malfunction.
- Head malfunction: The head malfunction occurs when the read / write head, in practice, falls on the disk (head crash), works at an incorrect height relative to the disk or there is a malfunction in the wiring between the head and the logic board - compared to other types of read / write head malfunction, this is a fairly common type. Among these, the "head crash" is particularly serious.
- Mechanical malfunctions: Probably the most common. The moped burns out, the device overheats, the bearings get stuck - the kind of scenario you expect to find in the hood of a broken down car. This type of malfunction is quite serious, but if it doesn't affect the hard drive itself, you might have a good chance of getting your data back. An operation that, however, could prove to be expensive.
Warnings
- Don't pull the string too hard. If there is time, back up all your data. If there is none - as in the case when your hard disk makes strange noises, as illustrated above - remove it from the computer or housing, wrap it in anti-static plastic or aluminum foil and take it to a specialist. Hard drives, as mentioned above, are very delicate devices, don't play with them.
- When it comes to hard drives, always remember to keep an eye on the situation and act quickly, as well as, of course, make frequent backups, even if it takes time.
- When you contact a technician, he will tell you that it is possible to ship it, receiving details on the shipping costs. Remember, though, it is always preferable to carry it by hand to avoid further damage.
