Where can I fix a corrupted external hard drive?

Table of Contents

What causes an external hard drive to become corrupted?

There are several potential causes of an external hard drive becoming corrupted:

Physical damage – Dropping or knocking a hard drive can damage the mechanical components inside, leading to corruption.
Sudden power loss – If the power is suddenly cut while writing data, it can corrupt files on the drive.

Bad sectors – Over time, parts of the drive platters can go bad, leading to data corruption.
Drive formatting issues – Errors during formatting or partitioning can make data inaccessible.
Virus infection – Viruses and malware can sometimes specifically target and corrupt external drives.

Connection issues – Faulty cables, connections, drivers or enclosures can cause I/O errors.

Corruption typically happens when the external drive is being written to or read from, rather than just sitting idle. The file system structures keeping track of data on the drive can get out of sync, making data unreadable.

How can I tell if my external hard drive is corrupted?

There are some common signs of a corrupted external hard drive:

Inability to access files and folders that were previously available
Strange behaviors like very slow data transfer speeds or disconnecting randomly
visible error messages when trying to open files or transfer data

Unusual noises like clicking or grinding coming from the hard drive
The operating system asking to format the drive before use or not recognizing it

If you are experiencing any of those issues, it’s very likely your external hard drive has some corruption. The good news is that data recovery is often possible, provided the right steps are taken.

How to recover data from a corrupted drive?

If the data on your corrupted external drive is important to you, don’t attempt any DIY recovery yet. First, here are the steps to take:

Stop using the drive immediately – Continuing to use a corrupted drive can overwrite data and make recovery harder.
Allow a professional to attempt recovery – Data recovery services can physically repair drives and extract data.

Avoid any DIY software fixes – Software utilities can sometimes do more harm than good on a corrupted drive.
Be prepared to replace the drive – If hardware damage is significant, a new drive may be required.

Reputable data recovery services with specialized tools and clean rooms have the best chance of salvaging data. Expect costs to start around $300 but go up significantly for complex recovery cases.

Can I fix a corrupted external hard drive myself?

It is possible to attempt DIY corrupted drive repair and data recovery yourself in some cases. However, this carries risks of making data unrecoverable if not done properly. Proceed with caution using these methods:

Try a different USB port, cable, computer or enclosure – This can isolate the issue.
Run CHKDSK or First Aid – These built-in utilities may find and repair filesystem errors.

Use data recovery software – Specialized software can read corrupted drives and extract files.
Repair bad sectors – Tools exist to detect, isolate and repair sectors gone bad.
Low-level format – Wiping the drive can fix formatting issues, but at the cost of data.

Advanced users may be able to troubleshoot and fix simpler corruption issues with free software and tutorials available online. But be very careful not to overwrite data in the process.

What if CHKDSK, First Aid or fsck cannot repair my drive?

In cases of severe corruption CHKDSK, First Aid and fsck may not be able to repair the filesystem or access data. Some things to try include:

Repartitioning or re-formatting the drive – This provides a clean slate for the filesystem.

Using data recovery software – More advanced tools may extract data even with severe corruption.
Taking the drive out of the external enclosure and connecting directly via SATA.
As a last resort, seek professional data recovery services.

If DIY options have failed, your best chance of recovery is to avoid any further changes to the drive and contact a professional recovery service. But be prepared that this can be an expensive endeavor.

Can I recover data from a dead, clicking or physically damaged drive?

Recovering data from a dead external drive with physical damage is challenging but still possible in some cases. Here are some tips:

Never power up the drive – Physical damage can get worse if it is used.

Find a professional recovery service – They have tools to repair drives in a controlled environment.
Be prepared for higher costs – Physical recovery services start around $1,000 and go up.
Consider targeted extraction – Some services can read select files without fully fixing drives.

Don’t get your hopes up too high – Physical failure means recovery is difficult and not guaranteed.

With the right equipment, experts may be able to repair drive motors, heads or platters in order to temporarily power up the drive and extract copies of your data. But there is a good chance irreparable physical damage will make your data unrecoverable.

Can Best Buy, Staples or other retailers recover data from a damaged drive?

Major electronics retailers like Best Buy and Staples do offer some data recovery services in-store. However, for severely damaged or corrupted drives, options are limited. Here are some key points on third-party recovery services:

In-store services only do simple recoveries – Logical failures but not physical damage.
Options for mechanical failure are shipping to an off-site facility.
Costs can become high quickly for extensive recovery efforts.

Timeframes range from days to weeks depending on severity.
Success is not guaranteed – Physical damage is difficult to repair.

For the best chance at recovering sensitive and important data from a drive with significant corruption or physical damage, your best bet is to work with a dedicated data recovery firm rather than a retailer. But expect high costs and be prepared for the worst.

Can Geek Squad recover data from an external hard drive?

As a major electronics and appliance repair service, Geek Squad does provide data recovery. However, as with other retailers, options are limited for severe drive damage and corruption. Here is an overview of Geek Squad data recovery:

Free diagnostics are provided in store to check the drive.
Tiered pricing based on the extent of recovery needed.

Logical recovery services provided in-store.
Heavily damaged drives must be shipped to an off-site facility.
Pricing starts around $150 but goes up significantly depending on effort needed.

Timeframes can take over 2 weeks for complex jobs.
Success rates vary greatly based on physical state of the drive.

While Geek Squad can handle some minor corruption cases, those with clicking hard drives, burnt PCB boards or severe crashes have better odds going directly through a dedicated data recovery service. Just be prepared for steep pricing and no guarantees.

Should I try freezing a corrupted external hard drive?

When an external hard drive begins clicking or experiencing physical damage, some users consider sticking it in the freezer as a DIY solution. However, this is not recommended. Here is an overview:

Freezing can temporarily reduce or stop clicking noises and noises.
This does not mean the drive is actually fixed.

Allowing the drive to warm up often brings noises back.
Freezing can lead to condensation forming inside the drive.
This condensation can cause even further physical damage.

At best freezing is a temporary effect. At worst it can make data recovery impossible.

While the idea behind freezing is that it can provide a short-term improvement, this should be avoided in favor of professional recovery. The risks outweigh the rewards, and physical damage needs specialized tools.

Can I recover data after formatting an external hard drive?

If an external hard drive was accidentally formatted and data was lost, recovery is possible in many cases. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Don’t overwrite the drive by adding new files and saving data.
Use data recovery software to scan the raw formatted drive.
Tools like Recuva can restore files that were deleted by formatting.

Recovery becomes difficult if parts of a formatted drive are overwritten.
The more you use a drive after formatting, the lower your chances.
For best results, recover data before anything else is saved after formatting.

As long as a newly formatted drive has not had new data written to it, free recovery software can often get back lost files by scanning the raw drive sectors. But it is critical not to overwrite deleted data by resaving files.

Can Low-Level Formatting help fix my external hard drive?

Low-level formatting, also called overwriting or zeroing out a drive, writes zeros to the entire drive surface. Here is an overview of how it relates to data recovery:

Low-level formatting erases all data on a drive.

It attempts to “remapped” bad sectors that cannot be read.
Can resolve some relatively minor corruption issues.
After low-level format, still attempt data recovery software.

If drive has physical damage, low-level format unlikely to work.
Will erase your data if no recovery is possible after format.

Basically low-level formatting is a last resort option before declaring a drive fully dead. It can fix some logical errors but cannot repair physical damage. But the process wipes the drive, so data recovery becomes impossible after formatting unless you use recovery software immediately.

Can I fix the File Allocation Table (FAT) on an external drive?

The file allocation table or FAT is part of the filesystem structure that keeps track of where files are stored. If it becomes corrupted, data recovery may be possible:

Corrupted FAT can cause data on a drive to appear deleted or inaccessible.
Run CHKDSK on Windows or First Aid on Mac to check for and repair FAT errors.

If errors persist, low-level format may remap bad sectors with FAT issues.
Severely corrupted FAT may require a clean reformatting and partition deletion.
With reformatting, use data recovery software prior to recover files.

Repairing the FAT requires identifying and remapping any bad sectors causing issues. This is possible in many cases but becomes trickier if physical damage is involved. Be very cautious about reformatting before recovering data.

Can manufacturer disk tools help recover my external drive data?

Most major hard drive manufacturers like Seagate, Western Digital and Toshiba provide free downloadable tools for testing and repairing drives. These include:

Manufacturer	Tool
Seagate	SeaTools
Western Digital	Data Lifeguard Diagnostics
Toshiba	HDD Diagnostic Tool

These tools can check for and repair certain logical filesystem errors. They provide a starting point before more advanced data recovery software. However, they may not be able to fix severe corruption or physical damage. Nonetheless, manufacturer tools are worth trying as a first step.

Can Best Buy recover data from an external hard drive?

Best Buy does offer external hard drive data recovery services through its Geek Squad division. Here are some key things to know:

Free diagnosis provided in store to test drives
Minor logical recovery can be completed in store

Severely damaged drives must be shipped to an off-site data recovery facility
Pricing varies based on extent of recovery needed
Logical recoveries start around $150, physical around $350+

Complete time can take over 2 weeks
Success rates depend on damage and corruption extent

While Best Buy can handle simple corruption cases, those with significant physical damage or crashed drives are better served going directly through a dedicated data recovery service. Be prepared for high costs and no guarantees when it comes to mechanical failure.

What are some reputable data recovery services I can use?

Some reputable and widely used data recovery services include:

DriveSavers – Well-known recovery firm that works with consumers and businesses.
Ontrack – Global recovery provider focused on safe, fast solutions.

Gillware – Options for individuals all the way up to enterprise customers.
Secure Data Recovery – Comprehensive services with expedited options.
WeRecoverData – Trusted data recovery for a wide range of devices and storage.

The right provider depends on your location, budget, timeline and whether the drive has physical vs. logical damage. Getting multiple estimates is recommended before committing to a service.

How can I avoid data loss and corruption on external hard drives?

Some tips to keep your external drive healthy and avoid data disasters:

Eject the drive properly before unplugging it.

Use the Safely Remove Hardware option in Windows.
Don’t unplug during active file transfers.
Use a quality USB cable in good condition.

Keep the drive in a cool, dry, clean environment.
Don’t jostle or drop the drive while powered on.
Use surge protectors and clean power sources.

Always keep a backup of important data.

While corruption can happen spontaneously at times, taking preventative measures maximizes external hard drive lifespan and minimizes your risk of data loss disasters.

Conclusion

Recovering data from an external hard drive with corruption or physical damage is often possible with the right tools and techniques. However, severe issues may require an expensive professional data recovery service with no guarantees. Always backup your important files, and treat a damaged external drive with care to give yourself the best chance possible. With some effort, you should be able to get those precious photos, documents and other information back.