The hard drive (HDD) is grinding, scratching, or making clicking noises. Panic sets in. If the hard drive is no longer recognized by the operating system or in the BIOS, or if important data can no longer be found, most users are on the verge of a breakdown. The good news: even with severe hard drive defects, files can (usually) be recovered.
DIY Data Recovery with Potentially Severe Consequences
Clicking or clacking noises and other symptoms of data loss can have various causes that are not necessarily apparent to the layperson. If you then use free tools from the internet because you suspect a logical error, defective hard drive components can be further damaged. Subsequent data recovery by a professional is thus made more difficult - and in some cases even impossible.
Our Tip: Stay Calm!
Instead of using the first recovery tool you find or even opening the hard drive yourself with a screwdriver, you should first hard-power off the storage device and disconnect it from the power supply. This prevents overheating and overvoltage. Additionally, any vibrations must now be avoided. After all, the data loss could be caused by a head crash, where the read/write head touches the magnetic platter of the HDD.
First steps for a defective hard drive
Professional Hard Drive Repair
To recover data from a defective storage device, damaged components may need to be replaced. Specialists perform such repairs in a cleanroom that is protected from dust and other contaminants, using professional tools. This way, no dust particles can settle between the read/write head and the magnetic platter. Data is subsequently read using individually programmed software that, unlike conventional tools, can "skip" critical hard drive areas. This prevents further data loss while successfully recovering lost data.
Hard Drive Defective? We Recover Your Data at a Fixed Price.
Since 2004, we have been recovering data from HDD/SSD hard drives, flash memory, NAS/SAN servers, and RAID arrays. We are available 24/7 via our free hotline - including weekends and holidays.
Can the Hard Drive Still Be Used After Repair?
We do not recommend continued use of repaired hard drives. The components are too vulnerable to new mechanical damage and wear.
Trust professional data recovery in an emergency rather than opening the hard drive yourself or working with unsuitable tools. This maximizes the chances of successfully recovering your data.
Contact us at 0800-881 12 25 (free, available 24/7) for a free initial consultation.
Lars Müller