A hard drive, USB key, memory card, or any other medium is considered faulty when this digital data storage unit no longer works properly, and it is impossible to consult its content. But let’s look at the more specific case of hard drives.
Hard drive failures can occur for various reasons, ranging from hardware quality and life expectancy to human handling errors.
There are four main types of failure. Firmware failures make the hard drive unwritable and prevent it from interacting correctly with the electronic losses caused by damage to the hard drive controller board. Mechanical failures occur when the internal components of the hard drive fail. Logical failures related to the corruption of data stored on the hard drive.
Here is the list of the six sources of failure that could require you to perform data recovery.
1. Heat
The number one cause of hard drive failure is hardware overheating. This can be caused by an unsuitable ventilation or cooling system or a strong release of external heat, such as that which can cause a fire.
2. Shocks
Hard drive failure can result from a physical force external to the hardware. So, our first advice is not to spend your nerves on your computer! Any shock can damage the physical structure of the disk.
If the computer is in use at the time of impact, the read and write heads may touch or pinch the drives, causing severe damage to the magnetic surfaces of the platters, which store data. When the impact occurs while the external hard drive or the computer is turned off, the hard drive is more protected, but a strong shock may cause similar failures.
3. Voltage variations
Voltage variations (power surges or brownouts) can be caused by lightning, internal interference in the electrical network, or any other event causing a power outage and forcing your equipment (computer or external hard drive) to shut down. This type of event can lead to data loss when the read and write heads do not work properly and complete computer failure. We advise you to purchase an inverter.
4. Water damage
Moisture caused by flooding or spilling liquid on a computer or external hard drive can have serious consequences. The chassis that encases the hard drive is not designed to prevent liquid ingress. The results can range from simple oxidation to the creation of mini-short circuits internally. In both cases, the disc suffers damage requiring passage in a clean laboratory room.
5. Data Corruption
Power outages and accidental shutdown of a computer or external hard drive can contribute to file corruption and cause damage to the drive. Failing to close an application properly, shutting down a laptop before completely shutting down files or running programs, or installing new software are all actions that can lead to corrupted files. We then speak of logical failures.
6. Human error
The action of an individual on the file system can alter the functions of a hard disk. It is common for some files necessary for the hard drive operation to be accidentally erased: either by direct human manipulation or by improper software installation. Activities carried out during a forensic scientific investigation of a computer can also compromise the functioning of the hard drive.
Recovering lost data can sometimes be time-consuming and expensive. By regularly backing up your data and adopting a few preventive habits, you will avoid contacting a data recovery company to find your precious information. Here are six causes that can destroy your hard drive in seconds.
If you are the victim of data loss, we invite you to read the following article: What to do in the event of a breakdown?
Similarly, if our offers convince you, we invite you to entrust us with your damaged hard drive. Your satisfaction is our priority. We have already been victims of data loss and are aware of the worry and dismay this can represent. Know that we are here to help you maintain your serenity.