Recovering data from a non-working hard drive can seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it is often possible to salvage all or most of the data. The first step is to determine why the hard drive is not working, which can help guide the data recovery process. Common causes of hard drive failure include mechanical failure, logical failure, corruption, or unintentional deletion of data. Once the reason for failure is determined, the next step is to attempt to repair the drive or access the data directly using data recovery software or hardware. Taking proper precautions and using the correct recovery methods can optimize the chances of recovering data from even significantly damaged drives.
Determine Why the Hard Drive Is Not Working
When a hard drive stops working or fails to boot properly, the first step is determining the cause of the problem. This can help guide the recovery process and determine the likelihood of recovering data from the drive.
Check Connections and Cables
One of the simplest potential reasons a drive is not being detected is because of loose cable connections. Check that both ends of the SATA data cable are securely attached to the hard drive and motherboard. Try connecting the hard drive to another SATA port on the motherboard. Swap out the SATA cable with a known good cable if possible. For external drives, ensure both ends of the USB cable are fully inserted.
Test Power Supply
A lack of power can cause what appears to be a hard drive failure. Test the power supply using a voltmeter to confirm it is outputting the correct voltages. Try connecting the hard drive to another power supply if available. For external drives, use a different USB port, avoid USB hubs when possible, and make sure the external drive has its own power adapter connected.
Check for Physical Damage
Open up the computer case and inspect the hard drive for any visible damage. Look for scratches, dents, or exposed circuitry on the drive’s enclosure. Listen closely for any strange noises like scraping or buzzing coming from the drive when powered on. Damaged hardware like a failed PCB, motor, or heads can prohibit access to data but also indicate a mechanical failure.
Boot Into Safe Mode
Booting into Safe Mode starts Windows with only the bare essential drivers loaded. This can isolate potential software and driver conflicts causing issues. If the hard drive is detected and functions normally in Safe Mode, the issues may be related to faulty drivers, programs, updates, or operating system files.
Check SMART Status
The SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) system monitors hard drives for signs of potential failure. A SMART tool can read and report the SMART data from the drive, which can reveal the failure cause such as bad sectors, read/write failures, etc. Many hard drive tools like Victoria for Windows include SMART monitoring capabilities.
| SMART Attribute | Indicates |
|---|---|
| Read Error Rate | Problem reading data from disk surface |
| Reallocated Sectors Count | Bad sectors replaced by spare sectors |
| Seek Error Rate | Drive head is having trouble finding data |
| Hardware ECC Recovered | Drive hardware is detecting and recovering data errors |
Perform Drive Diagnostics
Most hard drive manufacturers provide their own diagnostic tools, such as SeaTools for Seagate drives and Data Lifeguard for Western Digital drives. Diagnostic software can test for drive errors as well as perform repairs in some cases. For example, Seatools has options to do a SMART check, short generic test, long generic test, and drive repair.
Determine If Logical Issues
If no physical damage or hardware failure is found, the issue may be logical in nature. Logical failures can occur during a sudden power loss while writing data, file system errors, partition table corruption, malware, operating system issues, etc. The drive may show up but data is inaccessible. Trying a different data cable, port, computer, or booting into a live Linux CD/USB can help determine if the issue is logical or physical.
Repairing the Hard Drive
Before attempting data recovery, first determine if the hard drive failure is repairable. Repairing the drive can allow the data to be accessed normally through the file system rather than requiring data recovery techniques.
Low-Level Format
A low-level format completely erases and rewrites the hard drive sectors and file system. This can fix bad sectors, logical file system errors, partition issues, and corruption. However, a low-level format will erase all data on the drive. Only perform a low-level format if absolutely essential and data has been successfully recovered first.
Repair File System Errors
If the drive is detected but the file system is corrupted or inaccessible, attempting to repair it may restore access to the files. In Windows, run CHKDSK /F to scan and fix file system errors. Most Linux distros such as Ubuntu have a Disk Utility tool that can repair file system issues on the disk.
Replace Damaged Components
For mechanical failures like damaged read/write heads, some specialized data recovery services can replace the failed components and recover data at the hardware level, but this can be expensive. Assess the value of the data against the cost.
Send to Data Recovery Service
For significant physical damage like disk platters scratched or destroyed, professional data recovery performed in a specialized cleanroom or lab environment may be the only option. The cost for this type of advanced recovery ranges from $500 to $2500+ depending on the drive failure.
Data Recovery Software
When hardware repairs are unsuccessful or impossible, the next step is attempting data recovery using software or hardware-based recovery tools. Many factors influence chances of success when using data recovery software, such as the cause of failure and amount of damage or corruption.
Logical Recovery
If the drive failure is logical and there is minimal physical damage, data recovery software can often retrieve files by repairing, rebuilding, or accessing the file system directly. Logical recovery is usually successful for accidentally deleted or lost files and partitions as the original data still resides on the disk.
Physical Recovery
With physical damage like bad sectors, data recovery software can attempt to extract raw data from sectors that are still readable and reconstruct files. However, read errors and data corruption affects recoverability, so physical recovery has lower success rates. Advanced techniques like disk imaging may be required.
Choose Software Based on Failure
Select recovery software designed for the particular type of failure:
| Failure Type | Recommended Software |
|---|---|
| Deleted file recovery | Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard |
| Partition recovery | TestDisk, EaseUS Partition Recovery |
| formatted drive recovery | R-Studio, ReclaiMe File Recovery |
| Crashed drive recovery | SpinRite, Recover My Files |
Avoid Overwriting Data
When using recovery software, avoid actions that could overwrite the lost data and make recovery impossible, such as:
- Saving files or installing software to the affected hard drive.
- Low level formatting the drive.
- Creating new partitions on the disk.
Also, avoid continued use of a failing drive, as physical damage can get worse. Immediately image the drive if possible.
Allow Time for Scans
Data recovery software needs to thoroughly scan and analyze the entire hard drive to identify and reconstruct damaged, lost, or deleted data. This is a time intensive process that could take hours or even days depending on the size of the drive and severity of the issues.
Know Success Is Not Guaranteed
With logical failures, recovery software can often get back most if not all data, but physical issues make the chance of success much lower. The level of data corruption or physical deterioration of the disk determines what can be recovered. Manage expectations accordingly.
Hardware-Based Recovery
Advanced hardware-based recovery using specialized tools or techniques provides an alternate method when software fails or the drive damage is beyond normal repair.
Rebuild RAID Arrays
For a failed drive in a RAID array, replacing the failed drive and rebuilding the array can restore access to data if the RAID configuration is still intact. Ensure the new drive is the same size or larger than the failed drive. Rebuilding will distribute data across the array to any new drives replacing failed ones.
Repair Circuit Board
If the hard drive’s printed circuit board (PCB) is damaged, swapping it out with a matching PCB from an identical drive model may allow access to data again. Some companies offer PCB repair services to transfer the ROM chip.
Plug into External Enclosure
Using a hard drive enclosure that connects externally via USB or eSATA interface can provide access to data if the drive internals are still intact but the computer does not recognize it internally for some reason.
Use Disk Imaging
Disk imaging clones the full hard drive sector by sector to create a complete backup copy. The image file can then be used to access data without risking further damage to the original. Imagers like ddrescue run on Linux live CDs.
Head Transplants
In cleanroom environments, highly skilled technicians can physically replace damaged read/write heads and motors and then extract data using specialized tools. This micromechanical repair can recover data even from drives with significant physical damage. However, costs start around $1000.
Preventing Hard Drive Failure
While hard drive failures often feel random and unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a failure resulting in data loss.
Monitor Health
Watch hard drive health status in SMART readings. Replace aging drives before problems occur. SSDs wear out over time so monitor lifespan indicators.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Hard drives require adequate air flow and cool temperatures to prevent overheating which can damage components.
Use Surge Protectors
Power surges and spikes from the electrical grid or lightning strikes can destroy hard drive circuitry. Quality surge protecting power strips or UPS units can safeguard against sudden power failures.
Handle Hard Drives Gently
Dropping drives or jarring movements during operation can damage internal components and make data recovery difficult or impossible if heads crash or platters get scratched.
Update Drivers/Firmware
Outdated drivers and firmware frequently linked to hard drive errors. Update to the latest versions to reduce corruption and compatibility issues.
Backup Important Data
Simply having a recent backup copy of your important files removes the stress and urgency of data recovery in the event of failure. Backup to an external drive and/or cloud storage regularly.
Conclusion
Recovering lost data from a damaged or malfunctioning hard drive can seem daunting but is often possible with the right tools, techniques, and understanding of the failure cause. Logical failures have high recovery success rates using data recovery software while physical issues can require hardware-based recovery methods to extract raw data from the disk platters and repair drive components. Taking preventative measures can also reduce the likelihood of failures leading to data loss. In the end, reliable backups remain the best way to ensure easy availability of important files.