How to Check a Hard Drive for Physical Problems

Hard disk problems can often be difficult to diagnose. There are a number of applications included in operating systems and available for purchase that can assist you with fixing a software glitch. However, if your disk is physically damaged, you will need to send it to a professional data recovery service. Determining whether your problems are with the software or with the hardware (a physical problem) is your first step in getting your data back.

Instructions

How to Check a Hard Drive for Physical Problems If Your Computer Will Run

1. Use the disk maintenance applications included with your operating system. On computers running Windows, you can run "checkdisk.exe" or "scandisk.exe." Mac users can use a utility called DiskFirstAid.

2. Take note of the outcome of these applications. They will alert you if there is a physical problem with your hard disk. If there are only minor software problems, they will try to fix them.

3. Use third-party applications such as Norton Utilities if your operating system finds no problems but you cannot locate any software errors. These applications are much more robust and can locate many more problems, as well as suggest many solutions based on your particular situation.

How to Check a Hard Drive for Physical Problems If Your Computer Will Not Run

1. Listen for a "clicking" sound from your hard drive. If you hear it making a loud, sharp, repetitive sound, turn your computer off immediately. Continuing to use a "clicking" hard drive can result in catastrophic damage to the disk. You will need a professional data recovery service.

2. Listen for the total absence of sound from your computer. The two sounds you should normally hear from a computer are the cooling fan and the hard disk. If your computer is unusually quiet, you likely have a problem with the spinning mechanism of your hard drive.

3. Use a boot disk to start your computer. A boot disk is usually included with new computers. If the software on the boot disk cannot locate your hard drive, your problem is physical rather than software related.

4. Open your computer and check for visible damage such as frayed or even burned connections. Of course, any visible signs of damage are cause for serious concern.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes connecting your drive to a different port (if you have one available) can tell you whether the physical problem is with your drive or simply the connection. Try as many different ports as possible before sending your drive to a data recovery service.

• Remove the power source from your computer before opening the case.