Hard drives become corrupted when data is not saved correctly or parts of the file cannot be accessed. Data loss and file unusability may result from this.
Electrical malfunctions, software bugs, and hardware faults can all lead to corruption. Larger files are more likely to get corrupted because they take up more space on the hard drive.
If there are problems with the read/write heads or tracking multiple files or folders may become damaged. Over time, all hard drives wear out and fail. In this article, we will explore the common causes of hard drive corruption and offer tips on how to prevent it.
Common Causes of Corrupted External Hard Drives
Before solving issues with an external hard drive, it is important to understand the possible causes. This knowledge can help identify the best way to fix the problem. Below are some typical reasons:
1: Corrupted File System
External drives use file systems like NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32 to organize and store data. When the file system gets damaged, your computer may struggle to access files. This frequently occurs when the drive is not correctly ejected.
Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option to ensure the system completes its tasks before unplugging the device. Ignoring this step can corrupt the file system.
2: Bad Sectors
Hard drives can develop bad sectors over time, which are areas on the drive that become unreadable. These damaged areas can affect the drive’s partition table or data, making it difficult to access stored information.
3: Power Issues
If the hard drive doesn’t receive enough power, it may not function properly. Faulty USB cables, ports, or the drive’s case can cause insufficient power, making it difficult for the system to read or write data.
4: Physical Damage
Physical damage can result from dropping the drive, impacting, or ageing components. Drives with physical issues typically cannot be repaired with standard methods. If the data is valuable, you may need assistance from a professional data recovery service.
Signs of a Corrupted Hard Drive Include:
- The drive cannot be accessed.
- Errors appear when opening files.
- Windows shows event ID warnings like 153, 129, 157, 55, or 98.
- M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) alerts pop up.
- The drive makes unusual sounds.
How to Fix a Corrupted External Hard Drive?
Following are ways to fix a Corrupted External Hard Drive:
Method 1: Check for Malware
Scanning your external hard drive for malware won’t usually erase your data. If you suspect a virus or malware is causing the issue, use a trusted anti-malware program like Malwarebytes to scan the drive.
For best results, put your computer in Safe Mode before running the scan. After the scan, restart your computer and check again to ensure all threats are gone. Tools like AdwCleaner can help remove any remaining harmful files or programs.
Method 2: Use the CHKDSK Tool
Check Disk (CHKDSK), a built-in utility in Windows, can check your hard drive and resolve issues. You can customize the scan by using different options. For example, the /r option helps detect and repair disk issues and marks bad sectors as unusable. Here’s how to run it:
Step 1: Select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the Quick menu by right-clicking the Start menu.
Step 2: If prompted, click yes to allow access.
Step 3: Type the command below and press Enter.
Step 4: Replace “E:” with the letter assigned to your external hard drive.
chkdsk E: /r
Step 5: If your hard drive is large (e.g., over 1 terabyte), the process may take a while to complete.
This scan can help identify and fix errors on your external drive.
Method 3: Use SFC and DISM to Fix System Issues
Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) are Windows utilities that aid in fixing corrupted system files.
SFC scans for broken files and replaces them with working ones, while DISM checks the system’s integrity and fixes any leftover issues. Follow these steps to use them:
Step 1: Right-click the Start menu and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Step 3: Once the SFC scan is complete, type the next command and press Enter:
dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Method 4: Update or Reinstall Drivers
Drivers allow your computer’s operating system to communicate with the hardware, like your hard drive.
If the drivers are outdated or corrupted, your computer may not read the hard drive correctly. Sometimes the issue can be resolved by just reinstalling or updating the drivers. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Right-click the Start menu (Windows logo) and choose Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand the Disk drives section, find your hard drive, and right-click it. Choose Update Driver.
Step 3: Select Search for drivers automatically. If you already have the latest drivers saved, choose Browse My Computer for drivers instead.
Step 4: If no updates are available, select Uninstall Device and then click Uninstall again to confirm.
Step 5: Restart your computer. The drivers should be reinstalled automatically.
Method 5: Assign or Change the Drive Letter
Your operating system needs a drive letter to locate and access your hard drive. If the drive letter is missing or incorrect, assigning or changing it can fix the issue. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Right-click the Start menu (Windows logo) and select Disk Management
Step 2: Find the affected drive, right-click on it, and choose Change Drive Letter and Paths.
Step 3: Click Change if a drive letter exists. If no letter is assigned, select add.
Step 4: Click OK after selecting a new drive letter from the menu.
Step 5: Click OK again to save the changes.
Method 6: Use Data Recovery Software
When your hard drive has corrupted files, data recovery software can help restore lost information. Choose a reliable program to recover files effectively.
However, if the damage is severe, such as extensive corruption or physical issues, it’s best to consult a professional data recovery specialist.
Experts have the right tools and knowledge to safely retrieve your data and address the problem without risking further damage to the hard drive. This ensures the best chance of recovering your important files.
Tips to Prevent Hard Drive Corruption
Taking appropriate care of your device helps prevent the corruption of your hard drive, while it is not always feasible to foresee when or if it will occur. Here are some methods to prevent hard drive corruption in the future:
- Backup Your Data Regularly
Regularly saving copies of your files ensures you won’t lose important data if your hard drive fails.
- Use Stable Power Sources
Unstable or faulty power sources can damage your hard drive, both physically and logically.
- Keep Your System Updated
Updating your operating system and software fixes bugs and improves performance, helping your device run smoothly.
- Install Trusted Antivirus Software
A reliable antivirus program shields your device from malware and may even remove threats before they cause harm.
- Prevent Overheating
Use cooling systems or ensure vents are clear to keep your device from overheating, which can lead to malfunctions.
Conclusion
Hard drive corruption can occur due to various factors such as software issues, power failures, physical damage, or bad sectors. Regular maintenance, such as updating drivers, backing up data, and using reliable power sources, can help prevent corruption.
If corruption happens, there are several methods to fix it, including running system tools like CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM, updating drivers, or using data recovery software. Taking care of your hard drive ensures its longevity and protects your important data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Corrupted Hard Drives?
Hard drives are usually reliable, but they can get corrupted for different reasons, like software issues, power cuts, physical damage, or problems from the factory.
How Do I Stop My Hard Drive From Corrupting?
To avoid hard drive corruption:
- Make sure the system doesn’t shut down unexpectedly.
- Back up your data to another location as soon as possible.
If the hard drive is damaged, consider replacing it and securely destroying the old one to keep your data safe and prevent future use.
Do Hard Drives Corrupt Over Time?
Yes, even if not used, hard drives can slowly degrade over time. It’s important to store them properly and perform regular checks to ensure they are in good condition.
Can A Corrupted Hard Drive Be Recovered?
Yes! A corrupted hard disk can frequently be fixed, depending on the damage’s origin and degree.
