A failing hard drive is one of the most serious computer problems. The storage device in your computer is responsible for storing all of your valuable files, images, videos, etc. as well as your operating system. so a failure in your storage system means all your files may be in danger.
Hard drives are one of the primary types of computer storage devices. In this article we are going to discuss 8 signs of a faulty hard drive and if you should consider replacing your hard disk drive.
Hard drives may fail due to various reasons, therefore the signs may be different case by case. Here are the most common signs of a failing hard drive. Keep in mind that not every single sign is an indicator of a hard drive failure since it may indicate a malfunction in other parts of your computer.
1- Strange Noises
If your hard drive has started making a clicking or screeching noises, it usually spells trouble for your hard drive. There are a couple of unusual sounds you should be on the lookout for.
- If your hard drive is making “clicking” noises (AKA Click of Death), it means that the head is failing to operate normally.
- If there is screeching or grinding noise, it means the hard drive’s bearings or spindle motor is failing.
Regardless of the type, if there are any weird noises coming out of your hard drive, It is almost always a bad sign. It’s always a good idea to ask an expert to check out your hard drive.
2- Frequent Error Messages
You may come across various error messages, which indicate a malfunction in different computer parts such as a failing hard drive. Pay attention to these messages as sometimes they can help you detect a hard-drive failure early on. Never ignore frequent error messages and make a copy of your data as soon as possible.
3- BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)
Frequent crashes like BSOD, also known as stop error or screen error, are one of the possible warning signs of a failing hard drive. If you come across BSOD after a fresh installation or in Windows Safe Mode, you most likely have a problem with your hard disk drive. In this case, get help from a professional expert to remove your faulty hard drive and install a new one.
4- Overheating
Sometimes a failing circuit board on a faulty hard disk drive may get too hot, causing your laptop to overheat. if your laptop is hot to touch around the area where your hard drive is located, It may indicate a PCB failure on your hard disk. It is important to take action as soon as possible or more parts of your laptop may get damaged due to the overheating hard drive.
If this is the case, Turn off your computer, take out your Hard drive, take your computer to the nearest service location to replace your hard drive, and transfer your data.
5- Corrupted Data and Accumulating Bad Sectors
There are different forms of corrupted data that warn you to replace your hard drive. For example, you may come across scrambled files/folder names, error messages, disappearing files/folders, or some files that can not be opened, especially when you want to move or save files/data. In case you see such signs of a failing hard drive on a PC more often, do not hesitate to head on to your nearest computer store to get your computer checked.
6- Frequent Freezing
One of the earliest warning signs of a failing hard drive on a PC is frequent freezing, which causes a delay in computer performance for several seconds to a few minutes. In case your computer freezes, tap on the “restart” button. If you find your computer freezing even after a restart, you may have a hard drive failure issue.
7- Sluggish Performance
When a hard drive is deteriorating, it is naturally too slow to perform well. If you have experienced bothering issues with the speed of your computer performance for a long time, you must get your computer checked out by a reliable professional expert.
8- Warning reports of S.M.A.R.T
Modern hard drive disks are equipped with a built-in self-monitoring feature, known as S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) that is responsible for providing warning reports in case of a hard drive failure. This practical monitoring system often helps save a lot of headaches by reporting hard drive failures early on; however, it may not function when your computer hard drive is close to failure. Therefore, you must not only rely on the S.M.A.R.T warnings when you frequently come across the signs of a hard drive failure.
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Conclusion
“Hard drive failure” is one of the most common problems that computer users encounter. It may cause a computer to stop working and eventually leads to data loss; therefore, you must provide other storage devices to retain your data before it is too late. In case you have never thought of data backup and you are in trouble with a hard drive failure, you can contact us. If you are looking for professional service at an incredibly affordable price, Digicomp is your best option!