We create a lot of files on our PC and save them on the hard drive. We also take regular backups of our smartphones on our PC storage as and when we run out of space thinking that our data is safe. When suddenly we encounter a system crash, we fear losing all our precious files. In such cases, there is still a chance of data recovery.
However, if the hard drive is damaged or broken, the chances of recovery are negligible. Here we have collated the basic checks and tricks on how to get files from a dead laptop or desktop. If the manual tricks are not working, you can use the Best Data Recovery Software for Windows.
What Can Corrupt Your Hard Drive
There can be several possible reasons for a corrupt or damaged hard drive. Here are a few basic reasons that can hamper the functionality of the hard drive.
Overheating Device – Running too many processes or applications with high graphics can overheat the device and may corrupt the hard drive spinning.
Power Surge – Using a PC without a stabilizer or power fluctuation may corrupt the operating system or hard drive functionality.
Spillage or Broken Hard Drive – Water or coffee spillage on the laptop or on the CPU may corrupt hardware components. If the laptop has fallen from a height or the hard drive is broken due to any mishandling, you may lose your data.
Regular Maintenance – Lack of maintenance or regular wear and tear may also corrupt the hard drive.
Malware Attack – Using a PC without robust security software is prone to malware or virus attacks. Ensure to deploy security software to perform real-time scans.
How to Recover Data from a Damaged Hard Drive
Check Connectors
Check the hardware connector that connects your hard drive to the motherboard. Check the cable and ensure that the connector is not loose or the cable is not broken.
Connect Dead Hard Drive to PC
If the Hard drive is not recognized or working with your PC, remove the hard drive from the CPU and connect it to a different PC. You can use the Hard drive connector for an internal HDD or SSD and use a USB cable for a portable hard drive.
Also Read: TI Infotech Protect Your Data with Our Data Recovery Services
Explore Hard Drive Partitions
Power ON the PC and check if the connected hard drive can be explored on the new PC. Access Windows Explorer and try to browse the hard drive partitions of the connected hard drive. If the hard drive is discoverable, you can perform the following troubleshooting steps. If the hard drive is not discoverable or detected, you may need to get it to a local technician. They may replace the case and try to recover data using the best data recovery software.
Check File History
Hard Drives create a local backup of the data in the form of a hard drive image. If the hard drive is discoverable, you can use the File History feature to check the previous version of the folders. Here is how to recover data from a dead hard disk.
Step 1. Access Windows Explorer and get into the hard drive partition from where you wish to recover data.
Step 2. Right-click on the folder and click on the Properties option.
Step 3. Click on the Previous Version tab on the top.
Step 4. It will show you all the available and recoverable versions of the folder. Select the date when you believe the files were intact, click on the Restore button at the bottom, and apply changes.
The restored folders will bring back all the files.
Run Check Disk
Check Disk is an inbuilt feature of Windows to check corrupt files and repair them. You can run this command in the command prompt to repair the corrupt hard drive partition and repair them.
Step 1. Press the Win key, type CMD, and click on the Run as Administrator option.
Step 2. Type chkdsk followed by hard drive partition and /F to fix errors and /R to Recover files.
Step 3. Let it take its time to finish the process and restart the PC. Take a proper backup of the files and folders recovered with this process.
Restore Disk Health
Windows PowerShell is an inbuilt utility that can scan the corrupt file system and restore the health of the hard drive partition. These steps on how to recover data from a damaged hard disk for free can help you scan and fix hard drive errors.
Step 1. Press the Win key and type PowerShell. Click on Run as Administrator to access PowerShell.
Step 2. Go to the hard drive partition, type the below command, and hit the Enter key.
DISM.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Step 3. Let the command run and fix file corruption on Windows.
Step 4. Type sfc /scannow and hit the Enter key. This command will scan the system for corrupt files and will replace them with new ones.
Use the Best Data Recovery Software for Windows
Using the best data recovery software can expedite the process of recovering data from crashed, corrupt, and damaged hard drives. We simply need to connect to a w working PC and can recover data from any folder or hard drive partition. You can connect any storage device that is compatible with the PC and scan it to recover data. It allows you to preview recoverable data and select what you wish to recover.
Final Words
This article on how to recover data from a dead hard disk has manual checks to recover data from a damaged hard drive. These Windows utilities can fix corrupt files and recover data from different hard drive partitions. If the drive is not discoverable on another PC, you can try using one of the best data recovery software for Windows to recover data from damaged hard drives. If still you are not able to recover data, you will need to connect with a local technician to perform data recovery.
