When your Hard Drive Not Spinning, it indicates a problem that can stop it from working properly. This issue might affect both internal and external hard drives from brands like Seagate and Western Digital.
A non-spinning hard drive can lead to data loss and prevent the device from performing its basic tasks. This guide will explain the common reasons why hard drives stop spinning, how to spot the signs of trouble, and what you can do to fix the issue to protect your data and get your hard drive running again.
What is a Hard Drive Not Spinning?
Hard drive not spinning refers to a condition where the hard drive fails to rotate its platters, preventing it from functioning.
This malfunction can be caused by electrical issues, mechanical failures, or problems with the drive’s firmware. It often leads to data loss if not addressed and might require professional repair or data recovery services.
Causes of Hard Drive Not Spinning
When your hard drive stops spinning, it might be due to a few technical issues. Let’s look at three typical causes:
- Printed Circuit Board Failure (Electrical Issue): The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) serves as the foundation for all the electronic components in your hard drive. It manages the flow of electricity that powers the motor responsible for spinning the disks. If the PCB is damaged due to overheating, incorrect setup, or a power outage, your hard drive will cease to spin.
- Stuck Read/Write Head: The read/write head is a crucial tiny component that transfers data to and from the disk. It floats just above the disk’s surface. If this head sticks to the disk after a power spike or abrupt failure, the hard drive can stop working and will not spin.
- Seized Spindle Motor: The spindle motor holds and spins the platter. It must operate smoothly for the hard drive to function properly. If the hard drive is jarred or dropped while active, the motor can seize, stopping the platter from spinning.
Signs of the Hard Drive Not Spinning
When your hard drive fails to spin, certain obvious signs can indicate trouble. Here are two key symptoms that occur when your hard drive isn’t spinning:
1: Computer Does Not Detect the Hard Drive
Normally, the spinning motion of the hard drive allows your computer to read and recognize it. If the drive stops spinning, your computer may no longer detect the drive, making all stored data unreachable.
Without spinning, you can’t even use software to recover the data unless you first fix the underlying issue.
2: Inability to Retrieve Data from the Hard Drive
If you try to recover data from a non-spinning hard drive, you might see an error message indicating that the drive won’t spin. In such cases, the best course of action is to send the hard drive in for repairs to regain access to your data.
Fix the Hard Drive Not Spinning Up
You can only get the right solution until you find the specific reason that causes your hard drive to fail to spin up. Thus, it’s necessary to do some troubleshooting steps first.
Method 1: Check the Supply and Surge of Power
If you notice a burning smell coming from your hard drive, it might have been damaged by a power surge. This can harm the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) inside your hard drive. You’ll need to identify the damaged component and replace it with a similar one from a working PCB.
If there is no burning smell, try checking the power supply by using a different cable to connect your hard drive to your computer, or try connecting it to another computer. If the hard drive still does not spin, it likely has a mechanical or electrical problem.
Method 3: Resolving a Stuck Disk Head
A stuck disk head can cause significant problems, such as the hard drive making clicking noises and not spinning. Normally, when not in use, the disk head should rest in the landing zone.
If you open your hard drive and find the disk head stuck on the platter, this is likely the reason your hard drive is not functioning.
Method 3: Troubleshooting the PCB
The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in a hard drive directs electricity to various components essential for its operation. Key parts of the PCB include the Main Controller IC (akin to the CPU), Motor Controller Chip, Cache Chip, ROM/BIOS, Board Number, and TVS Diodes.
Damage to any of these, especially from burning, can cause your hard drive to stop spinning.
Diodes are particularly prone to failure. If a diode short out, it can cause significant damage. To check the diodes, you’ll need a T8 screwdriver and a multimeter.
Steps to Test Diodes:
- Remove the PCB: Use the screwdriver to carefully take out the PCB from the hard drive.
- Test Each Diode: Place the multimeter probes on both ends of a diode.
- Check for Shorts: A beep from the multimeter and reading near zero indicate a shorted diode.
4: Address the Issue:
- Data Recovery Only: If you are only looking to retrieve data and then discard the hard drive, you can simply remove the faulty diode.
- Continued Use: If you plan to keep using the hard drive, replace the damaged diode with a compatible one from a working PCB.
Important Tips:
- Type of PCB: Boards with external/accessible firmware are easier to handle than those with embedded firmware, which might require professional assistance.
- Identifying Diodes: Diodes are rectangular, black, and usually marked with “D” followed by a number.
- Safe Removal: Removing a diode involves heat, so use appropriate tools and avoid direct handling to prevent damage.
- Firmware Compatibility: Simply swapping a faulty PCB with an identical one might not work due to firmware differences.
Method 4: Stuck Disk Head
- Open the Hard Drive: Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove the hard drive’s cover.
- Locate the Problem: If the disk head is resting on the platter instead of in its parked position, you’ve found the issue.
- Adjust the Disk Head: Carefully use a hook or similar tool to gently move the disk head back to its parking area. Simultaneously, turn the centre spindle screw counterclockwise with your screwdriver to ease the platter’s tension and help reposition the head.
- Reassemble and Test: Replace the cover and reconnect the hard drive to your computer. It should start spinning and functioning normally again.
Important Tips:
- Clean Workspace: Ensure the area is free from dust and debris to avoid further contamination.
- Hidden Screw: Remember to check for a screw hidden under the sticker on the lid. You can find it by feeling for a bump as you run your finger across the surface.
Method 5: Repairing a Seized Spindle Motor
When your hard drive is working correctly, the platter spins thanks to the spindle motor. If this motor gets stuck or the spindle itself is damaged, the hard drive won’t spin when you try to use it. In cases like this, a platter swap is often needed.
A platter swap requires specialized tools and a dust-free environment. It is best to leave this task to professionals who can repair your hard drive safely. If you are interested in trying it yourself, you can find instructional videos on YouTube that guide you through the process of a platter swap. Please be sure to carefully follow the directions.
Conclusion
Fixing a hard drive not spinning can be tricky, but with the right steps, you can often get it working again. This guide has shown you how to tackle common problems like circuit board issues, stuck heads, and motor troubles.
Remember, regular backups are key to protecting your data. If the problem seems too complicated, it’s best to get help from a professional to ensure your data is safe and your hard drive is repaired properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Signs of a Failing Hard Drive?
Hard drives can fail for various reasons. Here are some easy-to-notice signs that suggest a hard drive might be failing:
- Strange Noises: Ticking or clicking sounds from your computer.
- Getting Hot: The hard drive feels very warm.
- Motor Issues: The part that spins the hard drive doesn’t move.
- Slowing Down: Your computer starts to slow down a lot.
- Error Messages: You see more error messages than usual.
- Crashing: Your computer crashes often, especially when starting up.
Why is my Hard Drive not Turning on?
Your hard drive may be recognized in the BIOS settings but fails to boot properly due to issues with the cables.
Why is my Hard Drive not Detected but Spinning?
If your hard drive is spinning but not showing up on your computer, the problem might be with the USB port, which could be damaged or not compatible with your hard drive.
Can you Fix a Dead HDD?
Fixing a dead hard drive is quite difficult due to its complex structure. Without advanced knowledge in electronics, it is unlikely you’ll be able to repair it and recover the data stored on it.
How Do I Fix an Unresponsive Hard Drive?
If your hard drive isn’t working, try these steps before giving up:
- Check Connections: Make sure it’s plugged in and turned on.
- Restart Your Computer: Sometimes restarting fixes the issue.
- Try Different Connections: Use a different cable or port, or connect it to another computer.
- Update Drivers: Ensure your computer’s drivers are up to date.
- Format the Drive: Use your computer’s Disk Management to set up the drive.
- Clean the Disk: Erase the disk and set it up from scratch.
Test the Drive: Remove the hard drive and check it separately to find any problems.
