Think about how many valuable files you store on your computer. The only copies you have of family heirlooms, game records, business documents, study notes you’ve collected over the years – even a minor malfunction of the storage medium can lead to their loss. Has this happened to you? Don’t panic, there is a chance of rescue! We explain how to recover data from a damaged disc.
Symptoms of a damaged drive, depending on the type of drive
After booting up your computer, have you noticed that any of your previously saved files are not there? Or did their sudden disappearance occur while you were using the device? The experts at Detective Store, who regularly perform drive data recovery, are familiar with these patterns. In fact, in most cases they are the same.
Apart from the obvious sign of the loss of valuable files, there are a number of indications that a storage medium may be damaged. Spotting these early can help prevent a disaster. However, the worrying symptoms can vary depending on the type of media.
There are mainly types of hard disk drive such as:
- HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) – traditional, they store data on rotating platters.
- SSD (Solid State Drive) – based on flash memory, faster, quieter and more resistant to damage.
- SSHD (Solid State Hybrid Drive) – a combination of the previous two.
- 2 SSDs – used in higher performance computers.
- NVMe SSDs (Non-Volatile Memory Express) – for professional workstations, heavy-duty applications and operations, etc.
By far the most common solutions for private or business computers are HDDs and SSDs. The former are cheaper, but less efficient. The latter, on the other hand, can be found in modern models of computers and laptops – it is more expensive, but faster and more resistant to failures. However, this does not change the fact that failures still occur even in the best models.
The most common symptoms of hard drive failure are:
- humming, grinding and other unusual sounds,
- slower system operation,
- booting problems,
- frequent system hangs,
- disappearance of files,
- errors when trying to save,
- sudden switching to read-only mode.
Quickly noticing these suspicious signs will allow you to take preventive action. In most cases, they allow you to save your files from deletion, for example by making a backup to another medium.
Why do hard drives fail?
It is important to remember that although hard drive failure is a fairly common occurrence, it is usually due not to manufacturing defects, but to physical factors. The most common causes of damage to this type of storage medium are shocks, drops, flooding, surges, inadequate cooling or logical errors.
Fortunately, data recovery from a damaged drive is possible in any of the above cases. However, the restoration operation should be performed very carefully, under sterile conditions. For this reason, in the most difficult cases, it is advisable to seek the help of specialists.
How to recover data from a damaged hard drive?
There are various ways to recover data from a drive. This type of action can be carried out both independently at home, and with the assistance of specialists, in a laboratory setting.
Do it yourself! Programs for recovering data from a damaged drive
Don’t panic! A damaged hard drive is not synonymous with the irrevocable loss of valuable materials. In fact, the situation does not look so terrible – because very often the files do not physically disappear from the media. They are there, but the disk treats them as free space for new writing. As a result, although you can’t see the files, they will be present on the media, until you write new material in their place.
In such a situation, you can try to restore the files yourself. There are various programs on the market for recovering data from a damaged disk – including free ones.
The most popular software are:
- Recuva.
- Disk Drill.
- TOKIWA DataRecovery.
- EaseUS Data Recovery.
Using the above is intuitive. However, the whole procedure should be done very carefully. Even the smallest mistake usually leads to complete deletion of files. Therefore, in case of severe mechanical damage or loss of extremely valuable files, it is advisable to use the help of professionals.
Professional disk data recovery
Data recovery from HDD, SSD, external drive and other media is a service performed by Detective Store’s team of professionals. In its framework, experienced experts, working with the most severe cases of media damage, perform the entire procedure under laboratory conditions.
Maintaining sterility while carrying out this type of operation definitely increases the chances of a successful outcome.
It is worth taking the help of specialists, regardless of the degree of damage to the disk. After all, the experts will precisely verify the problem and , based on the analysis, choose the appropriate path of action. It is thanks to the combination of extensive knowledge of the subject, experience, many years of practice and precise recognition of the problem that data recovery from damaged drives is successful in almost 100% of cases.
Data recovery from a damaged disk – FAQ
Have you lost family heirlooms, valuable business documents or other valuable files? Learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
How to recover data from a damaged disk?
To recover data from a damaged disk, use special programs or seek help from specialists. The second option is better, as it gives you a much better chance of success.
Is it possible to recover data from a disk?
It is possible to recover data from a disk even with the most severe mechanical damage. However, the operation requires great precision, sterile conditions and adequate knowledge.
How much does it cost to recover data from a hard drive?
The price of recovering data from a hard drive depends on the type of media and the degree of damage. The cost of such a service starts from a few tens of pounds up to more than a thousand pounds.
How to recover data from a drive for free?
There are free programs available on the web for recovering data from a damaged disk. With their help, you can attempt to restore files on your own. However, this method does not give as much effectiveness as working with specialists.