Any device breaking down is stressful and frustrating, but a hard disk failure can be one of the worst cases. The hard disk is one of the most important components in your computer, because it is where your files, photos and videos are stored.
And if your hard drive ever fails with important files on it, Bot’s hard drive and external drive recovery starts with a free diagnosis.
So if yours fails, besides having to replace it at short notice, you may also face the loss of work documents, family photos and other important data.
There is no need to panic, though. Many hard disk problems give warning signs. Below we go through the most common ones and some tips on how to deal with them.
What is a hard disk?
The hard disk, also called a hard disk drive (HDD), is the component that stores your computer’s data. Inside it are rotating platters, where the data is recorded, and an actuator arm with read/write heads that read and write that information.
There are also external hard disks, which work in much the same way. The difference, as the name suggests, is that they sit outside the computer and connect to it, usually through a USB port. Hard disk technology dates back to 1956, when IBM introduced it, and for decades it was the most common type of storage in home computers; it is still widely used where large capacity is needed.
Common hard disk problems
Because of its mechanical design, a hard disk is sensitive to shocks, drops and sudden temperature changes, all of which can shorten its lifespan. Software problems such as virus infections don’t damage the hardware, but they can corrupt the system and your files. Below are some common problems that may be a sign that it’s time to copy your files somewhere safe and possibly replace your hard disk.
Corrupted files
Have you ever opened a file and been told it was corrupted? That can be one of the first warning signs for a computer owner.
If you can’t find any other reason for the corrupted files, the cause may be a problem with the hard disk, especially if errors show up when you copy files from one folder to another. In that case, don’t keep testing the drive by writing new files to it: copy your important data to another device as soon as possible, because every extra hour of use on a failing disk can make things worse.
This often happens after power surges or when the computer is shut down improperly, so try to avoid those situations (a surge protector or a UPS helps).
Computer viruses and malware
Another problem is infection by viruses and malware. In these cases the system is affected and files can be corrupted or hidden. Computers are usually infected through the internet or by connecting devices that carry a virus, such as USB flash drives, other computers or external disks.
Viruses most often hit computers with an outdated operating system or no antivirus installed.
Manufacturing fault
Manufacturing defects can also cause disk problems, especially in new drives. If a new disk doesn’t respond the first time you test it, that is a likely cause. The quickest solution is to contact the manufacturer or the store that sold you the disk and ask for a replacement under warranty.
Heat
Overheating can also cause hard disk problems. If the computer is under heavy load for long periods, or if the fans that keep it cool stop working or can’t cool the hard disk properly, the drive may run too hot.
If you also hear a clicking noise, the disk most likely has a mechanical fault, which heat can help bring on: switch it off straight away and don’t keep trying to use it. To prevent overheating, make sure the fans are working, that the case has good airflow and that the vents are not blocked.
The computer doesn’t detect the hard disk in the BIOS
Another worrying situation is when the computer can’t detect the hard disk in the BIOS. In some cases the problem is not the disk itself but the cables or the computer’s power supply.
If the disk doesn’t get enough power, it may not be detected, especially because a hard disk draws a peak of current when its motor spins up.
Unexpected computer failures
Is your computer showing several problems at once? If files and folders start disappearing for no reason and the disk makes unusual noises, the problem may be bad sectors, that is, damaged areas on the disk surface.
Over time it’s normal for some sectors on a hard disk to stop working. Modern disks handle this automatically: the firmware moves those sectors to a reserve area set aside for the purpose, so you don’t even notice there was a problem.
But if bad sectors keep appearing, the reserve area runs out and the problems start to show: errors, slowness and, sometimes, noise. That is the moment to stop using the disk and copy your data, or seek professional help if you can’t.
Human errors
Have you changed your computer’s settings and then started having disk problems? Human error is also a common cause. Changing the registry or moving system files by mistake can cause serious problems, so avoid making changes without the technical knowledge to do so.
How to fix hard disk problems
The good news is that some of these problems can be fixed. Even so, we can’t stress this enough: as soon as you notice any sign of a hard disk problem, back up your most important files. If the disk is making noises or has become very slow, don’t try any repair; go straight to a professional. Then move on to the tips below.
Option 1 – Error checking and automatic repair
On Windows, you can run an error check that automatically fixes some file system problems. Only do this once your data is safe, because the repair writes to the disk. First, close all open programs and open File Explorer (This PC).
Right-click the drive you want to check and choose Properties. In the window that opens, go to the Tools tab and, under Error checking, click “Check”. Enter the administrator password if prompted.
Choose to scan and repair the drive so Windows fixes the errors it finds, and wait for the process to finish.
Option 2 – Check the connection between the hard disk and the motherboard
If the first option doesn’t solve the problem, you can check whether the connection between the disk and the motherboard (or the external enclosure’s board) is working properly. Only do this if you have some experience, so you don’t damage any parts, and never open the hard disk itself: that can only be done in a clean room.
Switch off the computer and unplug it from the power. Then open the case and locate the disk’s data and power cables (SATA on most computers, or a flat IDE ribbon cable on older ones). Disconnect them and remove any dust, preferably with a can of compressed air. Do the same with the connectors on the motherboard, reconnect the cables firmly (or try new ones), then switch the computer back on and check whether it works normally.
Option 3 – Format the corrupted hard disk
Another way to try to solve a logical problem on the hard disk is to format it. Formatting erases everything, so you must back up your data first. If the disk has physical symptoms (noises, extreme slowness, read errors), formatting won’t fix it, and if your data isn’t backed up, don’t format it.
To do it, open the Control Panel, go to System and Security, then Administrative Tools (Windows Tools in Windows 11) and Computer Management. Under Disk Management, right-click the drive and choose “Format”. Afterwards, restore your files from the backup.
Option 4 – Repair the disk with Disk Utility
If you use a Mac, Disk Utility can also fix some disk problems. As on Windows, back up your files first so you don’t lose important data.
Open Disk Utility (search for “Disk Utility” in Spotlight), select the disk in the sidebar and click “First Aid”, then “Run”. If it’s the startup disk, you may need to restart in macOS Recovery and run First Aid from there. This automatic tool fixes some file system problems, so check afterwards whether the error persists. If it does, the best option is to seek specialist help.
Option 5 – Replacing the hard disk’s PCB
When the hard disk’s printed circuit board (PCB) is damaged, replacing it may seem like the solution. But on modern disks, a board with the same model number isn’t enough: each disk stores unique calibration data (adaptives) in a ROM chip or in the controller on its own board. That’s why, besides finding a compatible PCB (same model, board number and firmware), the original ROM has to be moved to the new board.
That job involves desoldering and soldering components and requires specific tools and experience. Done wrong, it can permanently destroy the data on the disk. If the data is important, leave this step to a data recovery lab.
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Conclusion
If your hard disk still doesn’t work, or you lose files along the way, don’t panic. You can replace the drive and turn to a specialist company such as Bot to try to recover your data. Just get in touch and ask for a quote.
