Hard drive data corruption arises when a system cannot completely write data to a file or the file’s parts become inaccessible. Corrupted files usually become inaccessible and useless, causing further data loss. Data corruption on HDDs can occur for different reasons. Some examples include mechanical component failure, software errors, and electrical events.
Since larger data take up more physical space to store files on a hard drive’s platters, severe data corruption is more likely with larger files than smaller ones. If there are tracking issues on the hard drive or some read/write head problems, corruption may affect multiple files or folders at the same time. Also, poor operating conditions of the drive frequently cause physical hard drive issues that can lead to corruption. However, all hard disk drives eventually fail due to wear and tear.
Common causes of HDD data corruption include:
- Virus and Malware Damage
- Bad Sectors
- Read/Write Head Issues
- Sudden Power Failures During File Processes
- Software Failures
- Malfunctioning Antivirus Software
Data Corruption Symptoms
Usually, Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, system shutdowns, and program crashes are indicators of file corruption errors. Such errors prevent hard drives from systematic work. Thus, the device can no longer carry out a requested process, resulting in localized file damage.
When files are corrupted, their parent programs frequently refuse to open them. Common error messages you may face include “File format not recognized” and “{File name} is not recognized.” Files and folders may also completely disappear. Additionally, when refusing to execute specific commands, your PC’s or laptop’s operating system may refer to bad sectors.
Some common symptoms of hard drive data corruption include:
- Drive inaccessibility
- Slow HDD performance
- Missing files
- Blue screen of death (BSoD)
Apart from the issues listed above, sometimes physical hard drive issues can cause data corruption as well. Thus, you may notice clicking sounds, excessive vibration, and other similar symptoms with your external hard drive. If you recognize symptoms of a physical or logical failure, we recommend shutting down your hard disk immediately.
Continuing to use the damaged device and writing new data to the drive with file corruption issues can cause complete data loss. The data can get overwritten and, thus, decrease the chances of successful data repair.
Ways to Recover Corrupted Files
As bad sectors on a hard drive’s platters can result in data corruption, many computer users try to resolve the problem by running Chkdsk and Scandisk utilities. Such tools try to identify bad sectors and help the hard drive run more efficiently. Although these tools can sometimes fix simple corruption, they can also cause media damage.
Also, there are some data recovery programs that dedicate utilities to treat corruption. However, no tool or software can fix mechanical and physical hard drive damage. In fact, it can damage it even more, as when the read/write heads are in contact with the platters, the software can damage the magnetic material that stores your files. In order to avoid more damage to internal parts of your hard drive, you should keep it powered off and contact a professional data recovery company.
PITS Global Data Recovery Services has specialized in hard drive data repair and recovery for years and still maintains a 99% success rate. We treat corrupt hard drives carefully during the evaluation process to determine the level of damage and the best possible way to recover inaccessible data. Treating each case individually, we take the required steps to protect our clients’ media and recover most of the missing files.
Our technicians operate in the ISO Certified Class 10 ISO Cleanroom when treating physical data storage issues. Hard drives internal parts are sensitive to damage when opened in untreated air. Our cleanroom’s environment provides required air filtration to ensure that no moisture, dust, and other air particles damage fragile media devices.
Although you cannot access your data, it is still stored on that non-bootable hard drive. However, you first need to have the issue resolved to access your data.
Regardless of the failure scenario, PITS Global Data Recovery Services can help. Our certified engineering team specializes in hard drive recovery and maintains a 99% success rate. They use state-of-the-art tools and are regularly trained for data recovery from new data storage devices. They can resolve severe physical and logical problems and retrieve your invaluable files.
Technicians of PITS Global repair data from data storage devices regardless of their operating system, file system, or data loss scenario. We perform secure data recovery for external and internal hard drives, SSDs, RAID, and other devices.
Call us at 888.611.0737 or fill in the request help form to start your data recovery case. Our team will be glad to help you restore your valuable data from your device.