A broken hard drive can be a major roadblock to accessing important files and data on your computer. Thankfully, there are several steps that you can take to attempt to fix a broken hard drive. The following guide will help you identify the root of the problem, successfully troubleshoot it, and find out what it takes to get your hard drive back up and running.
Step 1: Identifying the Problem
Before attempting to fix a broken hard drive, it is important to identify the root of the issue. Some potential culprits include a bad power supply, physical damage, data corruption, a bad controller, or an outdated firmware.
To narrow down the issue, start by using the “Power Supply Test,” which helps identify if the power supply is working properly. First, make sure your computer is unplugged from any power source. Then, open the computer case and locate the 24-pin ATX power connector. Use a voltage tester to examine the pins and make sure they are sending a consistent 12V current.
Once the power supply is tested and determined to be fine, the next step is to check the hard drive’s connections. Make sure the power connectors are firmly inserted into the drive, and that the data cable is securely connected. If either of these connections are loose, it could cause the hard drive to not boot.
If the connections appear to be in working order, the next step is to check for physical damage. Physically inspect the drive for any signs of damage, such as visible cracks or dents. Additionally, check to make sure the drive’s read/write heads are properly aligned. If the physical inspection of the hard drive reveals any damage, it is best to replace the drive entirely.
Step 2: Troubleshooting
If the problem with the hard drive cannot be identified through physical inspection, the next step is to troubleshoot the issue. First, run a disk health checker, such as CrystalDiskInfo, to get a better understanding of the current state of the drive. This tool will indicate any errors, bad sectors, or other issues with the drive.
Next, attempt to boot up the drive. If the drive does not boot, try running a system restore or recovery scan. This process should help identify any issues that may be hindering the hard drive from starting.
If the issue persists after a system restore/recovery scan, try booting into the BIOS. The BIOS contains settings that control the basic functioning of the computer and hard drive. If the BIOS is set incorrectly, it can interfere with the hard drive’s ability to start. Resetting the BIOS settings can often help fix this issue.
If resetting the BIOS settings does not resolve the issue, the next step is to run a data recovery program. Data recovery programs, such as Recover My Files, will scan the hard drive and attempt to recover any lost or corrupted data.
Finally, if all other attempts to troubleshoot the issue have failed, one last option is to replace the hard drive entirely. Replacing the broken hard drive with a new one is a simple way to restore access to important files and data.
Step 3: Returning the Hard Drive to Working Order
After identifying the source of the issue and troubleshooting the hard drive, the next step is to return the drive to working order. If the issue was determined to be caused by a physical issue, such as a broken cable or a bent read/write head, simply replacing the broken part should resolve the issue.
If the issue was due to data corruption, running a data recovery program should help to restore the lost data. Data recovery programs can be time consuming, but are essential for restoring important files and data.
If the issue stemmed from a power supply issue, simply replacing the power supply should resolve the issue. If the issue was from an outdated firmware, updating the firmware can often help restore access to the drive.
Finally, if all other attempts fail, the only remaining option is to replace the hard drive. Replacing the hard drive with a new one is often the best and most reliable solution when dealing with a broken hard drive.
With the right tools and a little bit of time, it is possible to successfully fix a broken hard drive. All you have to do is identify the root of the problem, troubleshoot the issue, and then return the drive to working order. With these steps, you will be able to access your important files and data again in no time.