What are the Most Common HDD Failures?
Hard disks have been our partner in data storage for many years. They are used to store multiple types of files, such as photos, audio, videos, documents, etc. But like any technology, the hard disk is also easily fail. The reasons can be much more like hasty deletion, physical damage, or data corruption as well.
In this article, we will discuss the most common HDD failures, their causes, how we can prevent them, and what we should do and not do in that particular situation.
About HDD and How it Works
A hard disk drive is a data storage device where we store data. It is available from several gigabytes to many terabytes.
A hard disk is a non-volatile device, which means when power is out, the data stored in it can still be stored. A hard disk is based on a magnetic base. The data we store on our hard drive is stored on platters in different sectors. The spinning platter and motor head help to read and write data on the hard disk.
Most Common HDD Failures
Hard disk drives (HDDs) are an important part of our computers, storing our valuable data. However, it can sometimes fail, resulting in data loss. Understanding common HDD failures can help us take preventive measures and act quickly if issues arise.
Mechanical Failures
One of the most typical hard disk failures is when the mechanical parts of an HDD, such as the spindle, platter, actuator arm, or read and write head, stop working. This can be due to wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or physical damage. The major sign of mechanical failure is unusual noises like clicking or grinding. By noticing this, we can identify that there are some mechanical failures in our hard disk.
Logical Failures
Logical failures on a hard disk drive happen when there’s an issue with the drive’s file system or software. It can result from a virus attack, software corruption, or improper shutdowns. For this, we might experience data inaccessibility or system errors. The major sign of logical failure is data corruption by noticing this, we can identify that there are some logical failures in our hard disk
Bad Sectors
On a hard disk, data is stored in different sectors. When a sector becomes unable to function properly, it’s referred to as a ‘bad sector.’ Bad sectors can prevent us from accessing data stored in those specific areas. These bad sectors can result from various causes, including mechanical issues, logical issues, overheating, or power surges. Common signs of bad sectors include slower read and write speeds, system freezing, and unexpected shutdowns. By recognizing these signs, we can identify if our hard disk is experiencing a bad sector problem.
Firmware Issues
On a hard disk, firmware is a crucial component as it controls all of its operations. To put it simply, it helps the hard disk understand our commands when we want to read, write, store, or retrieve data. Firmware issues can arise from software bugs or incorrect firmware updates. A primary sign of firmware problems is when the hard disk becomes unresponsive. By recognizing this symptom, we can identify the issue.”
Overheating
In the case of a hard disk failure, temperature can play a significant role; excessive heat can harm the internal components of the HDD. When our hard disk becomes too hot, it can lead to data corruption. The primary cause of overheating is improper ventilation, and the main indicators of failure are data corruption and reduced performance. By recognizing these symptoms, we can pinpoint the cause of the failure.
Sudden Power Loss
Experiencing a sudden loss of power while working on our PC can result in data corruption on our hard disk. Unexpected power outages or disconnecting the drive without a proper shutdown can lead to data loss or drive corruption. A sign of data loss on a hard disk due to a power interruption is facing an error message when attempting to open a file. This can be avoided by using a proper power backup system like UPS.
Hastily Work
Careless or hurried handling of important data during deletion can lead to data loss. Additionally, unexpected events like software bugs or virus attacks can also result in data deletion. This increases the risk of data being unrecoverable due to the possibility of overwriting. Data loss can happen through accidental deletion, formatting, or improper hard drive management as well. To reduce the possibility of such failures, it’s advisable to create regular backups of your data.
Tips to Prevent Data Loss
By following these tips, we can at least prevent and reduce data loss on hard disks due to failure.
- We should handle our HDD with care, avoiding physical shocks
- We should use surge protectors and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to protect against electrical failures
- We should regularly back up our data to safeguard against user errors and logical failures.
- We should monitor the health of our HDD through SMART monitoring tools.
- Keep our computer well-ventilated to prevent overheating.
What to Do When Your HDD Fails
If you suspect your HDD has failed, it’s necessary to take immediate action. Safely turn off your computer, avoid any DIY repair attempts if you’re not experienced, and consult a professional data recovery service like Techchef Data Recovery. Attempting DIY repairs can worsen the situation and reduce the chances of data recovery.
Why Techchef For Hard Disk Data Recovery
Techchef Data Recovery is a leading company in the field of data recovery. Our team consists of highly experienced data recovery professionals who are dedicated to providing efficient data recovery services with a short turnaround time. We prioritize data security throughout the entire recovery process and use advanced tools and technology to ensure the best results.
Moreover, our facility features a Class 100 clean room to protect your data from further loss. With years of experience, we have successfully solved numerous complex data loss cases, including scenarios such as damaged hard disks, crashed hard disks, physically damaged hard disks, logically damaged hard disks, data recovery from corruption, dealing with bad sectors, and recovering data from deleted partitions, among others.
We have a proven track record of successfully recovering data from various brands, including WD, Toshiba, Seagate, and more.
Final Words
HDDs have long been an essential part of computing. Understanding their common failures, how they work, and how to prevent these failures is important for ensuring the safety of our data. By following good practices and staying prepared, we can minimize the risks associated with HDD failures.
If you lost data due to hard disk failures, then there is still a chance to recover it. You just have to call us at Techchef Data Recovery at 1800–313–1737 and talk to our experts about your query.
