The hard drive (HDD) is one of the core components of a computer. It is where the files you save on the computer are stored.
In most cases, it also holds the operating system (Windows, Linux and others) and all the programs installed on the computer.
Even in modern computers with SSDs, hard drives are still widely used to store large files, because they offer much more capacity for the same price.
However, every hard drive has a limited lifespan, which can be shortened by factors such as high temperatures inside the computer, improper use, incompatibilities between software and hardware, and more.
In this article we look at ways to tell whether your hard drive has a problem and whether it needs replacing soon.
Remember: if you suspect your hard drive may be failing, back up your files right away, before it is too late.
6 signs that your hard drive is failing
1. The computer is slow or freezes frequently
Slowness when opening files and programs can be a sign that something is wrong with the hard drive. Frequent freezes can also indicate that the drive is in trouble.
However, the same symptoms can be caused by many other problems, so on their own they do not prove that the drive is to blame.
Even so, they are a good reason to take a closer look at what is happening with your computer.
Besides slowdowns and freezes, you may also see the infamous “blue screen of death”: a blue error screen that appears without warning while you are using the computer and leaves it unusable until you restart it.
A computer that runs hotter than usual may also be linked to a drive problem: a failing drive keeps retrying reads, so the system works harder to load files and programs and freezes repeatedly.
2. Data keeps getting corrupted
Frequent data corruption can be a sign that there are problems with the hard drive, especially if it is more than five years old.
Data corruption can show up as:
- Files and programs disappearing;
- Errors when downloading or installing;
- “Corrupted file” messages.
3. Strange noises
A hard drive has a mechanical arm with heads that read and write data on spinning platters, floating just above their surface. In normal operation it does not usually make very noticeable noises.
However, if your computer has been making unusual noises for a while and shows other signs of drive failure (such as those described in this article), something is probably wrong with the hard drive. If you hear clicking, beeping or scraping, turn it off and stop using it.
This kind of problem is more common in laptops, which are moved around a lot and are therefore more exposed to drops, knocks and other incidents that cause physical damage.
4. Windows does not recognize the hard drive
In this case, the drive may not be the problem: it could be an operating system error or a fault in the cables or the connection to the motherboard.
That does not mean the drive is fine, though, as Windows often fails to recognize a faulty drive.
To understand what is behind the error, look out for other signs that the drive is failing.
You can also test the drive on another computer, as long as it is not making strange noises. If it works properly there, the problem is probably the computer, not the hard drive. If it is still not recognized, the drive is most likely the problem, and if you need the data on it, talk to us.
5. Bad blocks
Bad blocks are damaged sectors on the hard drive. They stop files from being stored correctly and make them hard to read or open.
One of the big problems with bad blocks is that they tend to spread, damaging more and more of the drive’s surface.
Bad blocks can be physical or logical. Physical bad blocks are caused by damage to the drive and are harder to deal with than logical (software) bad blocks.
Physical damage to a hard drive can be caused by knocks, exposure to high temperatures, dust getting into the sealed area of the drive and so on.
Logical bad blocks, on the other hand, are caused by software problems – such as interrupted writes when the computer is switched off incorrectly or, less often, malware.
To avoid them, always shut down your computer properly and do not download suspicious files or programs from unknown sources.
The good news is that in some cases the bad blocks can be isolated and the drive can still be used, with slightly less capacity. But if new bad blocks keep appearing, copy your data and replace the drive.
If in doubt, ask a specialist for a more accurate assessment of the problem and how to solve it.
6. Use a diagnostic program
If you are not sure what is happening with your computer, there are several diagnostic programs that can help you find out whether something is faulty.
Options include CrystalDiskInfo, GSmartControl, HDDScan and HD Tune, among others. CrystalDiskInfo, which only reads the SMART data, is the safest place to start. However, these programs do not replace an expert assessment and may not be accurate enough to detect problems in their early stages.
Windows also has a built-in tool that helps with diagnostics, called CHKDSK. If you suspect the drive is failing, copy your important files first, because the repair writes to the drive. To use it:
- Open File Explorer;
- Go to “This PC” (“My Computer” in older versions);
- Under “Devices and drives”, right-click the drive you want to check;
- Select “Properties”;
- Go to the “Tools” tab;
- In the “Error checking” section, click “Check”;
- If Windows finds errors, it will tell you and offer to repair the drive; the details are also recorded in Event Viewer.
This method can also solve some minor problems, as Windows fixes certain file system errors automatically during the scan.
How can you prevent these problems?
It is not always possible to prevent computer parts from wearing out, especially once they are old. However, you can extend their lifespan with a few simple tips:
- Keep your computer in a clean, well-ventilated place and occasionally open the case to remove the dust that builds up inside (ask a specialist for help if in doubt);
- Check the cables connected to the computer regularly, as faulty cables can end up damaging the drive;
- Make sure the drive is properly mounted and secured;
- Install a good antivirus, keep it updated and run scans frequently to keep malware away;
- Only install programs from trusted sources;
- When moving your computer, whether a desktop or a laptop, be careful to avoid drops and knocks, as impacts can damage the internal parts.
Conclusion
Computers are complex machines, and problems with any of their components can be hard to detect.
This article is meant to help you get an idea of what is wrong, but it does not replace a professional assessment.
If you need to recover data from a failing hard drive, talk to Bot. Recovering data from faulty drives is what we do every day: we have more than two decades of experience and more than 200,000 cases.
