The SSD is one of the most important parts of a computer, because it is where all your data is stored. That is why it is so important to know how to spot the signs of a failing SSD and what to do about them.
Errors like this can have a logical or a physical cause, and repeated repair attempts can make things worse. If the files matter, see how SSD recovery works, starting with a free diagnosis.
SSD stands for Solid State Drive, a storage device that is quieter and faster than a traditional hard drive.
Because it plays such an important role in a desktop or laptop, this article will help you recognize the warning signs, tell whether it has died, and learn how to try to repair an SSD without losing your data.
Failing SSD: how can I tell?
Before trying to repair your SSD, you need to know how to tell whether it is failing. These are some of the most common symptoms:
1. Some files cannot be read
Files start to appear that cannot be opened or read. This happens because the data is stored in defective blocks on the SSD, and the drive can no longer read it.
This is one of the clearest signs that your SSD is failing.
2. The file system needs repairing
Another symptom is a Windows boot error related to the BCD (Boot Configuration Data). It can be caused by defective blocks or by a problem with the SSD’s interface.
3. Frequent crashes during startup
Another warning sign is when the system installed on the SSD keeps crashing during startup, even after repair attempts. This usually means the drive is about to stop working.
4. The SSD becomes read-only
The SSD suddenly switches to read-only mode and refuses any write operation, even though you never set it up that way. Many SSDs do this to protect your data when they detect serious errors or reach the end of their life, so copy your files off the drive right away.
5. The SSD slows down
This symptom is easier to spot: the SSD becomes noticeably slower, which points to a problem.
How can I tell if my SSD is dead?
If the drive has stopped working altogether and none of the data on it can be accessed, it has most likely died.
In that case, take it to a specialist company to find out what happened and assess whether the data can be recovered.
In some cases data recovery is not possible, so it pays to know how to spot the warning signs and what to do about them before the SSD fails completely and takes your data with it.
Can an SSD be recovered?
In many cases, yes. If your SSD is showing errors, there are some methods you can try, which we explain in this article.
But keep an eye on the warning signs, so you can act in time and avoid losing your data.
How to repair a corrupted SSD without losing data
There are two methods you can try with a corrupted SSD without writing to it and putting your data at risk.
Power-cycle the SSD (SATA drives)
- Shut down the PC completely and unplug the power cable.
- Disconnect the SATA data cable from the SSD, but leave the power cable connected.
- Plug the PC’s power cable back in, turn it on and enter the BIOS.
- Leave the PC idle in the BIOS for 30 minutes, then turn it off.
- Reconnect the SATA data cable to the SSD and boot into the BIOS again.
- Go to the boot settings menu and check that the PC is set to boot from the SSD.
- Start Windows and check whether the SSD is now recognized normally.
Use data recovery software
Another option is to use a good data recovery program, as long as the SSD is still detected by the computer. Install it on a different drive and save the recovered files somewhere else. Several programs offer free versions, for example:
- iSkysoft Data Recovery;
- Recover My Files;
- Remo Recover;
- Stellar Data Recovery, among others.
How to repair an SSD
If the SSD has stopped working properly, there are a few methods you can try to repair it. If the data on it is important and you have no backup, have it recovered first: some of these steps write to the drive.
Update the faulty SSD’s firmware
First, find out your SSD’s model: open File Explorer, right-click the problem drive, click “Properties” and go to the “Hardware” tab, where the SSD model is listed.
Next, use that information to find the manufacturer’s firmware update tool for your SSD online, then download and install it on your computer.
Finally, back up your data if you can, run the firmware update tool, check your SSD’s current firmware version and follow the instructions to complete the update.
Update the SSD driver
Click the “Start” button and type “Device Manager” in the search box to open it.
Expand the “Disk drives” category, right-click your SSD and select “Update driver”. Restart the computer when the process is complete.
You can also choose “Uninstall device” in that step and restart the computer: Windows will reinstall the disk driver automatically.
Run CHKDSK to check the SSD for errors
Open Command Prompt as an administrator: click the “Start” button, type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk G: /f /r /x and press Enter (replace “G” with the drive letter of the corrupted SSD).
CHKDSK checks the SSD for file system errors and bad sectors and tries to fix them. Because it writes to the drive, only run it if your data is backed up.
Repair a corrupted SSD with partition manager software
Open EaseUS Partition Master on your computer, find the disk, right-click the partition you want to check and choose “Advanced” > “Check File System”.
In the “Check File System” window, keep the “Try to fix errors if found” option selected and click “Start”.
The program will check the partition’s file system. When it is done, click “Finish”.
Contact the SSD manufacturer
If none of these options work, contact the manufacturer about repairing or replacing your SSD. Bear in mind that a warranty replacement does not include your data.
How to power-cycle an NVMe or M.2 SSD
With an NVMe or M.2 SSD, you cannot disconnect the data connection while keeping the power on, as you can with SATA, so you have two options:
- With the SSD installed, turn on the computer and leave it in the BIOS screen for 30 minutes, then turn it off for 30 seconds and repeat.
- On a Mac, turn it on while holding down the Option (Alt) key to open the boot menu. Leave it on the boot menu for 30 minutes, then turn it off for 30 seconds and repeat.
How much does SSD data recovery cost?
If you would rather have a professional recover your SSD, the price can vary depending on:
- The expertise of the professional you choose;
- Type of failure;
- The capacity of your SSD;
- Amount of data stored;
- Severity of the damage;
- The make of your SSD;
- The wear of your SSD, among other factors.
As you can see, many factors affect the price of SSD data recovery. To find out how much it costs at Bot, see our pricing page.
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Conclusion
SSDs are now one of the most common ways to store data in desktops and laptops, and several kinds of failure can cause you to lose all your data.
That is why it is essential to watch for any sign that your SSD is developing errors, so you can act before it fails completely and you lose important data.
After reading this article, you know how to spot these errors and several methods you can try to repair your SSD yourself. Just remember to protect your data first: if it is important and you have no backup, the safest option is to let a specialist recover it.
If none of your attempts solve the problem, or if you need your data recovered, Bot can help.
Simply send us your device so our technicians can diagnose the problem and give you a data recovery quote. The standard diagnosis is free.
All you have to do is fill in the form on our website and choose how you want to send us your device.
There are two ways to get your device to us: free collection (islands not included) or drop-off at Bot.
You can find our contact details at this link. After filling in the form, you can hand your device in directly to Bot.
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