SSDs or solid-state drives use flash memory to store data, unlike traditional hard disk drives that use magnetic disks. This makes SSDs much faster and more reliable than HDDs. However, SSDs are still susceptible to data corruption like any other storage media. Data corruption occurs when the data stored on the SSD becomes inaccessible or unusable. This can happen due to various reasons – sudden power outage, file system errors, bad sectors, etc. Fortunately, SSD corruption can often be fixed with some effort. Here are some common ways to uncorrupt an SSD and recover your precious data:
Try the built-in disk repair tools
Most operating systems like Windows, macOS and Linux come with built-in disk repair utilities that can fix basic SSD errors. For example, on Windows you can use the CHKDSK command, on macOS there is Disk Utility and Linux has fsck. These tools verify the file system integrity and can repair bad sectors, directory errors, etc. To use them, you need to attach the corrupted SSD externally via USB and run the disk check from your main OS drive. If it’s your boot drive that’s affected, you may need bootable recovery media.
How to use CHKDSK on Windows
To use CHKDSK on Windows:
- Attach the corrupted SSD externally via USB
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Type “chkdsk X: /f” (replace X with SSD drive letter)
- Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete
This will repair file system errors and bad sectors. For more advanced checks, add “/r” to chkdsk command.
How to use Disk Utility on macOS
To use Disk Utility on macOS:
- Connect the SSD using a USB enclosure or adapter
- Open Disk Utility app on your Mac
- Select the external SSD from the sidebar
- Click First Aid tab and then click Run
- Wait for scan to complete. Click Repair if errors are found.
This will verify the file system and repair any issues like directory errors, bad blocks, etc.
How to use fsck on Linux
To use fsck on Linux:
- Attach the corrupted SSD externally via USB
- Open the Terminal app
- Type “sudo fsck -f /dev/sdX” (replace sdX with SSD drive name)
- Press Y if prompted and wait for repair to finish
This will check the file system and fix errors. Use “-a” instead of “-f” for interactive repair mode.
These built-in tools should be your first step in tackling SSD corruption. If they fail to repair the drive, you will need more advanced solutions.
Try data recovery software
If the disk utilities cannot fix the corruption, the next step is trying dedicated data recovery software. They can read data from damaged drives and recover lost files that system tools may miss. Some top data recovery apps for SSDs include:
Recoverit Data Recovery
Recoverit by Wondershare is user-friendly data recovery software for Windows and Mac. It supports all storage media including SSDs, HDDs, USB drives, SD cards, etc. Recoverit scans the SSD thoroughly to extract recoverable data and has a high recovery rate. You can preview found files before restoring them.
R-Studio
R-Studio by R-Tools Tech is advanced data recovery software with RAID recovery support. It uses RAW file recovery for maximum data extraction from damaged media. R-Studio can recover data after reformatting, bad sectors, file system damage, etc. It has deep scan support for corrupted SSDs.
Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery by Stellar is another good choice for SSD recovery. It has a simple interface and quick scan features. Stellar supports all common file systems including NTFS, FAT, exFAT, etc. It can recover data after accidental format, corruption, OS crash, etc.
These software scan the SSD at a low-level to extract recoverable data. They also repair certain file system errors that cause corruption. Look for one that supports your SSD type and OS.
Update SSD firmware
Outdated firmware on the SSD is also a common source of errors and crashes. SSD manufacturers periodically release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve stability. So, check your SSD brand website for any pending firmware updates. For example, Samsung has the Samsung Magician software to install latest firmware and monitor drive health. Updating to the newest firmware can potentially resolve file system problems that standard disk tools cannot fix.
How to update SSD firmware
Follow these general steps to update SSD firmware:
- Find out your SSD model and brand
- Go to the manufacturer website and download the firmware update utility
- Backup your data before proceeding
- Run the firmware update utility and install the latest firmware
- Reboot your PC and verify update success
Make sure your SSD has adequate power during the long firmware update process. Firmware updates take time but are crucial for optimal SSD health and performance.
Low-level format the SSD
If all else fails, the nuclear option to fix SSD corruption is low-level formatting or secure erase. This erases all data and resets the SSD to factory state. Low-level formatting recreates the drive partitions and file system, clearing out any corruption in the process. However, data loss is guaranteed.
Most SSDs today support the ATA Secure Erase command to instantly wipe all data. Alternatively, disk utility software like Parted Magic have an option to fully format the SSD down to the block level. This eradicates any file system issues or bad sectors once and for all. But you will need to reinstall OS and restore data backups after low-level formatting.
How to low-level format an SSD
To low-level format an SSD:
- Use ATA Secure Erase if supported by your SSD
- Else use disk utility software like Parted Magic
- Select the SSD and pick low-level format option
- Wait several hours for the process to complete
- Reinstall OS, partitions and restore data
Low-level formatting is a destructive yet effective way to uncorrupt an SSD. But attempt data recovery prior to this step.
Replace the SSD
If your SSD is still unusable even after trying all these methods, then the drive hardware itself is likely faulty. Issues like bad NAND flash, failed controller, etc. cannot be fixed through software tools. In such cases, you have no option but to replace the damaged SSD and restore data from backups.
Symptoms of hardware failure include visible physical damage, clicking sounds, freezing, etc. Compare the cost of a new SSD versus specialist data recovery service to salvage data from the old drive. Also, check your SSD warranty period before buying a replacement.
Prevent SSD corruption
While SSD corruption cannot be completely avoided, you can take some precautions to minimize the chances:
– Use UPS systems to prevent data loss due to sudden power cuts
– Safely eject the SSD before unplugging to avoid file system damage
– Do not unplug the SSD during formatting, updates or heavy read/write operation
– Maintain good airflow and cooling for optimum SSD temperature
– Scan disks regularly for bad sectors and early signs of failure
– Keep firmware, drivers, OS updated to latest stable versions
– Backup your data frequently on external drives as redundancy
How to recover data from a corrupted SSD – Final tips
To summarize, here are some final tips for SSD data recovery:
– First try built-in disk repair tools like CHKDSK, Disk Utility, fsck to fix basic errors
– Use data recovery software like Recoverit, R-Studio for retrieving lost files when disk utilities fail
– Update SSD firmware from manufacturer website if available
– Low-level format the SSD drive if nothing else works, albeit with data loss
– Replace the faulty SSD if it has physical damage or hardware failure
– Make regular backups and follow SSD care best practices to avoid corruption
With the right tools and techniques, you have a good chance to get your data back and uncorrupt the SSD. Act quickly on first signs of corruption before further damage. Follow data recovery best practices and implement SSD health monitoring to identify issues early. With vigilance and care, you can extend the lifespan of your solid-state drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SSD corruption happen?
SSD corruption can happen due to:
- File system errors like bad sectors, directory issues
- Improper shutdowns or power failures
- Firmware bugs, outdated drivers, OS issues
- Electrical surges, controller malfunction, wear and tear
- Excessive read/write cycles, drive aging
- Removal of SSD without safely ejecting
- Physical damage from drops, impact, liquid spill
How can I recover data from a corrupted SSD?
Follow these steps:
- Try built-in disk repair tools first like CHKDSK or fsck
- If this fails, use data recovery software like Recoverit, Stellar, etc
- Update SSD firmware from manufacturer website
- Low-level format the SSD as a last resort
- Replace the SSD if it has physical damage or hardware issues
Is SSD corruption permanent?
In many cases, SSD corruption is reversible with the right troubleshooting steps. Using disk utilities, data recovery software and firmware updates can resolve software-based errors. However, physical damage due to chips/controller failure may permanently corrupt the SSD requiring replacement.
How can I prevent SSD corruption?
You can prevent SSD corruption by:
- Using UPS for clean power supply during outages
- Safely ejecting the SSD before removal from PC
- Maintaining proper airflow and cooling in PC case
- Updating SSD firmware, OS, drivers regularly
- Scanning drives periodically for bad sectors
- Having redundant backups as data protection
Proper SSD care and maintenance will minimize corruption risk.
What causes the “RAW” file system error on an SSD?
A “RAW” file system error indicates that the SSD partition table or file system structures are corrupted. Common causes include unsafe ejection, bad sectors, sudden power loss, outdated firmware, etc. The drive becomes unrecognized by OS in this state. Disk utilities like CHKDSK can often repair RAW errors and recover partition access.
| SSD Brand | Firmware Update Software |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Samsung Magician |
| Crucial | Crucial Storage Executive |
| Kingston | Kingston SSD Manager |
| WD | WD SSD Dashboard |
| Seagate | SeaTools |
