Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Basic methods of looking for errors
• Part 2 of 2: Hiring a repair company
• Tips
• Warnings

This wikiHow teaches you how to analyze and possibly fix a broken or dying hard drive. Just keep in mind that these instructions do not guarantee that you will be able to save the hard drive. And finally, while expert help, while possibly the best option, is likely to be expensive.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Basic methods of looking for errors

1. Stop using your computer immediately. If your hard drive is still spinning but you notice that its performance is slowing, then it is better to shut down the hard drive as soon as possible. Once you turn off the computer, do not turn it back on until you have the device repaired.
   • If you are worried about a hard drive malfunctioning, you can simply disconnect it from your computer.
2. Try your hard drive in a different port or computer. If you are able to get your hard drive working on another computer, the problem may be elsewhere - it could also be with the cable or the ports on your computer.
   • If it is an external hard drive, this is as simple as disconnecting the drive from your computer and connecting it to another one. You can also try a different cable in case the old one no longer works properly.
   • Internal hard drives pose a more complicated problem. To check the connection of your internal hard drive, you will first have to remove the drive from your computer. After doing this, you can purchase a docking station for the drive or a USB adapter (both available online) that will allow you to connect the external hard drive to another computer.
   • Before removing the hard drive, you should make sure that the computer has been disconnected from the mains and that the battery has been removed (if applicable).
   • Removing a hard drive is an incredibly difficult task on a Mac. If you want to do this, be extremely careful.
   • In rare cases, a hard drive that no longer works on a specific computer (but works on others) can be an indication that there is a faulty motherboard. If your hard drive works with any computer except your own, it is wise to have the computer checked.
3. Know the different components of a hard drive. Hard drives have three distinct components that often cause failure should a problem arise:
   • PCB - The printed circuit board (usually at the bottom of your hard drive) controls most of the functions of your hard drive, as well as converting the data on a hard drive into readable information. Circuit boards are usually green.
   • Platters - Thin discs on which the data is stored. Platters are responsible for most of the noise you hear when your hard drive starts spinning. Unless you are a professional with access to a dust-free space and the necessary equipment, you will not be able to repair your hard drive's platters yourself.
   • Head Assembly - The read head or head assembly is what reads the data from the platters. Again, you will not be able to fix it without professional experience and equipment.
4. Rate the sounds your disc made. Depending on what is wrong, your hard drive will make certain noises. Check the model of your hard drive with the sound it is making to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
   • For example, if your hard drive makes a clicking noise, there is most likely a problem with the read and write head.
   • Unfortunately, most problems identified by the noise they make will require expert help.
5. Stay away from quick DIY fixes. These are things like freezing or putting pressure on your hard drive. While some people may have had some success with it, such a quick fix will most likely make securing your data by a professional service even more unlikely than it already was.
   • Even though a quick fix seems to work, the effect will not be long-lasting. Your hard drive will stop working.

Part 2 of 2: Hiring a repair company

1. Understand that hard drive recovery is a job for professionals. Due to the incredibly complex construction of a hard drive, it is impossible to repair your hard drive yourself in terms of removing the data on it, unless you have a solid background in electronics. That is why it is better to have your hard drive treated by a professional repair company.
   • Attempting to fix a failed hard drive will only reduce the chance that a professional can fix it.
   • Even replacing the printed circuit board is an advanced exercise that requires knowledge of soldering circuits and purchasing exactly the right parts.
2. You can assume that the recovery will cost you a lot of money. True hard drive recovery requires clean rooms, specialized equipment and highly trained people. Therefore, you will probably spend more than a thousand dollars in getting the data back on the hard drive.
3. Find a recovery company that offers what you need. It is usually possible to find a recovery service through an electronics store in your area, but some excellent options include the following:
   • Best Buy - Best Buy's "Geek Squad" is a chain for handling data recovery. Expect to pay amounts ranging from $ 200 to more than $ 1,500, depending on the severity of the hard drive damage.
   • Drive Savers - Drive Savers is a 24/7 customer service based data recovery company with 30 years of experience. In addition to hard disk recovery, it can recover data from smartphones and cameras.
4. Pick a company and stick with it. Every time someone opens your hard drive and tries to create it, the likelihood that there is still something to restore becomes less. This is because opening the hard drive makes it vulnerable to dust, static electricity and other contaminants in the environment. To minimize this risk, it is better not to use the services of multiple companies. To be sure of a company's competence, ask what tools they use for data recovery. If they are using PC3K or DeepSpar, that's a good sign.

Tips

• There are a few useful data recovery tools you can use to recover data from a failed hard drive, but a reliable one can cost you a lot of money.

Warnings

• Removing the hard drive will void the warranty.
• Trying to fix the moving parts of a hard drive yourself will more than likely result in data loss.