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HDD Failure: Main Symptoms & What Can You Do?

Frequent crashes can be one of the signs

4 min. read

Updated onSeptember 26, 2024

updated onSeptember 26, 2024

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Key notes

Hard drives, no matter how good they are, will eventually fail. However, the hard drive gives you signs before complete failure, so you can always create a backup.

This guide will cover all the symptoms of HDD failure so you can identify the issue and learn how to fix it.

What happens when an HDD fails?

When a hard drive fails, the disk will not be able to function correctly, and you can not access or store data. The reasons behind the issue could be mechanical failure,firmware failure, or logical failure.

If your HDD has stopped working, you must buy a new one and use athird-party recovery toolto recover your data.

Can a failing hard drive be fixed?

The answer to this question depends on the reasons for which the issue occurs; some of the reasons are:

How can I check if my HDD is failing?

1. Slow computer and sudden crashes

If you are getting ablue screen of deatherror now and then or have a very slow-performing computer that freezes while performing essential functions, you should create a backup of your important data and reinstall Windows. However, if the issue persists, the reason could be a failing hard disk. This can lead to errors such asERROR_HANDLE_EOF.

2. Corrupted files on the hard drive

If you are frequently getting error messages while opening files or data on your files is getting corrupted on its own, these are some symptoms of HDD failure.

3. Strange Sounds

Hearing weird noises, screeching sounds, or a repetitive sound known as the click of death could be a sign of hard drive failure. It is better to create a backup before the disk becomes unusable.

4. Bad sectors on the disk

While running normal operations or opening files, if you hear a ticking sound, it is a sign of a bad sector. A bad sector is a disk storage unit damaged beyond repair, and data stored on it is lost. If there is an increase in bad sectors on your hard drive, it is also a symptom of HDD failure.

To fix this, you need to either run the CHKDSK command (which you will see described in the solutions section below) or use athird-party toolto find and repair the bad sectors of a hard disk.

What can I do if my hard disk is failing?

1. Use a backup tool

You should always create multiple backup files of your sensitive data. You can useWindows backup tools,cloud backup solutions, or reliable third-partybackup software.

2. Run the CHKDSK command

3. Scan drive

4. Buy a new HDD

If yourHDD is damagedand can’t be used further, you mustbuy a new hard drive. If you don’t have a backup of your drive, you need a reliablerecovery toolto retrieve the lost data. The software can recover your data from the damaged hard drive. You can then transfer it to the new one.

So, these are symptoms of HDD failure and steps to repair the disk and save your data. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

HDD Failure: Main Symptoms & What Can You Do?#

What happens when an HDD fails?#

Can a failing hard drive be fixed?#

How can I check if my HDD is failing?#

1. Slow computer and sudden crashes#

2. Corrupted files on the hard drive#

3. Strange Sounds#

4. Bad sectors on the disk#

What can I do if my hard disk is failing?#

1. Use a backup tool#

2. Run the CHKDSK command#

3. Scan drive#

4. Buy a new HDD#