When your operating system crashes, it is an inconvenient thing. What's more, if your hard disk crashes, it's a real disaster. If this happens, your data is usually destroyed and lost-unless of course you've made a copy of it. But, is your hard disk really dead, or just mostly dead? This article shows you how to repair a computer hard disk. But, pay attention! If you follow this guide, at your own risk. Use this guide only if the data on your hard disk isn't valuable enough that you deserve to have a professional fix it. If the data in it is important to you -- for work or legal purposes -- DO NOT USE THIS WAY. If your next step is to dispose of or recycle a completely dead hard disk, then continue reading this article - at your own risk!
Step
Part 1 of 4: Check Hard Disk Condition
Step 1. Check for any failures
Make sure your hard disk is really damaged. Check first, are there things that can cause your hard disk not to be recognized by the computer?
If your hard disk makes a loud clicking-click-clicking sound, stop and move on to step two immediately. This means your hard disk is dead
Step 2. Check the hardware connection
This is the best way to start checking. If this connection problem is the root cause, the repair is the quickest and easiest.
- Make sure the computer is connected to the mains. If the plug is dislodged from being kicked by a cat, or the cord is damaged, then your hard disk will definitely not work.
- Open the computer cover. Is the data cable (IDE or SATA) in the right place? Make sure the two cables are properly aligned in their proper position. Also make sure that none of the pins are bent, broken, or otherwise damaged.
Step 3. Perform a visual inspection
Sometimes, it is not the hard disk that is damaged, but the PCB (printed circuit board) that controls its performance. This PCB is located on the underside of the hard disk. If there's a power surge or component failure on that board, your hard disk will stop working, simply because it doesn't know what to do.
- Watch for signs of damage, such as burns or scorch marks. If there is, you can be a little relieved, because that's probably the main cause. If this is the case, you can usually get over it fairly easily.
- If you want to replace the PCB, look for a replacement that matches the make and model of your hard drive.
- When the new PCB is in your hands, remove the old PCB (there are 5 tiny screws you have to remove-don't lose them!).
- Remove the hard disk, and replace it with a new one. Do not touch the metal protrusions on the PCB. A discharge of static electricity from your hands can damage a new PCB before it even has time to do its job. To prevent electrostatic discharge, you can wear an antistatic wrist strap, or touch something that is stuck to the ground and metal. Do not touch the inside of your computer when the power is on.
- Slide the new PCB board, make sure it is firmly in place in the drive, then reattach the screws.
- Reconnect the hard drive to the computer, then connect the computer to power. If your hard disk is back to working as before, congratulations! You can also copy the data at this point, although the decision is up to you.
- If this doesn't work- keep reading.
Step 4. Check if the hard disk is recognized by your computer
If all components are connected properly, and there is no visible damage on the PCB, open Windows Disk Management or BIOS (in Windows), or Disk Utility (in Mac OS X), to determine whether your hard disk is recognized or not.
Part 2 of 4: Repair Options
Step 1. Take a decision:
if your data is worth saving, you should find a professional hard disk recovery company and pay them to restore your data. If you try it yourself, the chances of you recovering the data are zero.
Step 2. A search result on Google using the keyword "hard disk replacement parts" will lead you to several options
Replacing parts may be possible for older types of hard drives, but usually it is not possible for newer drives.
Step 3. Fix it yourself
A favorite of many intrepid souls is the DIY method, which is promoted by companies that specialize in providing parts for DIY/Do-It-Yourself projects. The hope is that if you replace the damaged part of the controller board, your hard disk will work again.
In fact, this is possible! But there's a major drawback: the chips on these controller boards/PCBs are vastly over-calibrated for the particular drive you have, and there's never a guarantee that the replacement chip will work. However, this is the cheapest option you can go for
Step 4. Hire a professional
This is the ONLY way to get your hard disk working again, or at least so that the files on it can be recovered (which is really your ultimate goal).
- This solution can be faster than self-repair, with a higher success rate, but it costs you money. Just keep in mind that these costs may be worth it if your data is important.
- Be prepared to pay two to three times the price of the drive, so consider the value of your money against the value of the data on the drive.
Part 3 of 4: Do It Yourself/Self Repair
Step 1. Read this section first
If your hard disk makes a clicking sound the first time you plug it in, every time you connect it to a power source later on, some data will be lost because this sound damages the magnetic coating on the hard disk. Do not try the repair method yourself if the data is important to you for work or legal purposes'. Some of these techniques are like the hopeful "Hail Mary" prayer that works will it works, but it can also make your hard disk completely dead in the end. If this happens, all parts of the data that have not been corrupted will also die.
Step 2. Perform a physical test on the hard disk
Hold the hard drive in one hand and rock it back and forth, listening for any sound it makes. It may sound like you're "not doing anything", but actually, if any part is loose, it can damage it! If you can't hear any sound, the potential culprit-especially if you have an older drive, or one that's very hot to the touch-is a faulty coil section. You can consider the steps below: If you disassemble the hard disk, you may end up destroying data that could otherwise be saved.
Step 3. Heat the hard disk
First, turn on the oven on the lowest heat for 5 minutes, then turn it off. Place the hard disk in the oven for 2-5 minutes until it warms up. Be aware that this may -- regardless of whether the hard disk is damaged or not -- cause it to die.
- Remove the hard disk and repeat the first step. If you can't hear any sound, take the next step. However, if there is a discrepancy, reconnect the hard drive to your computer and listen to it spin, looking for a normal clicking sound indicating healthy activity. If everything looks fine, try accessing the hard disk, and move your data to a good hard disk.
- If needed, you can heat it up again, and when you hold it in one hand, turn it sharply and slam the hard drive against a hard surface. This is indeed a drastic step, but it may help free the coil from accidental entanglement. If there is still working data on your hard drive, now rhythmically as it rotates, it's likely that the drive spindle shaft is no longer jammed. Make sure you don't hear a creaking sound when you swing the hard drive back and forth. This means that there is a loose or loose component in the hard disk, and this article does not cover that problem.
Step 4. Cool the hard disk
Another option-a controversial one-is to freeze the hard disk. This is a last resort, which may bring the hard disk back to work so you have enough time to copy important files. If all other methods fail, you can try this method.
- Place the hard disk in an airtight bag, making sure that no air remains inside. Put the hard disk in the freezer and let it sit for a few hours.
- Reconnect the hard disk to the computer, and try to access it. If you can't, shut down the computer, remove the hard drive, and then hit the hard drive against a hard surface, such as a table or floor. Reinstall the hard disk, and try again. If the hard disk is working again, secure your files, then throw the hard disk away. If not, it means that your hard disk is out of salvage, so you need professional help!!
Part 4 of 4: Professional Repair
Step 1. Look for recommendations to find the right professional repairman
There are many companies out there that will offer you repairing your hard drive for a not-so-cheap fee. Before spending money, check their qualifications. Search online user forums, talk to these companies, investigate how long they have been in business, and what percentage of their success is.
- Investigate their warranty system, and what price they charge for a successful outcome (which you will be happy to pay, of course), or a failed one. How much do you think you're worth if they fail to save your hard disk?
- You may not want to pay if the hard disk recovery doesn't work, but if they try to fix it and it doesn't work, know that they've spent time doing it, and you should compensate for this.
