Data corruption is a common issue that can strike any hard drive, internal or external. When your hard drive becomes corrupted, it can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially if you have important data stored on it. However, there are several methods you can try to fix a corrupted hard drive and recover your data.
Manual Methods
One of the easiest ways to fix a corrupted hard drive is to use manual methods. These methods involve using built-in Windows tools to scan and repair the drive. Here’s how to do it:
Launch a comprehensive Disk Check
Go to Computer/This PC >> Select Hard Drive >> Choose Properties
Select Tools >> Error checking >> Check now >> Check local disk >> Start
Shut down all open and running programs >> wait for the system to check upon the next boot >> restart the PC
Use the Control Panel
Go to Control Panel >> Select System and Security >> Action Center
Click and expand Maintenance section >> select Run Scan >> Restart
Use File Manager
Open File Manager >> Select the desired Drive >> Properties
Select Tools >> Check under Error Checking
On completion of drive, errors fix, click Repair This Drive
Use of Software
In some cases, data recovery software can be used to fix a corrupted hard drive. These tools can locate fragmented file parts on the hard drive and rebuild them. However, selecting the right software is crucial, as the market is flooded with a plethora of tools, and some may even aggravate the situation further.
Methods to Fix Corrupted Hard Drive
Connect to Motherboard USB Port
Connect the hard drive to the USB port on your motherboard instead of using a port on your PC case or USB hub
Test Another Device
Connect the hard drive to another computer to isolate whether the issue is with the hard drive or the computer
Scan for Viruses
Run a scan using antivirus software to identify if a virus attack is the cause of the corruption
Use CMD Commands
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Type chkdsk /f X: in Command Prompt (replace X with drive letter) to scan and fix errors
Type wmic disk drive get status to check if the hard drive is failing
Type sfc /scannow to scan for and fix system errors
Defragment and Optimize Drive
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Open the start menu, disk optimization, and click on defragment and optimize Drive optimize
Update Disk Driver
Update the disk driver to fix corruption issues
Use Data Recovery Tool
Use a data recovery tool as an alternative to CHKDSK to fix corrupted hard disks
Connect with Professional Data Recovery Service Provider
This is the last resort but a remarkable all-in-one option for advanced issues
If none of these methods work, it may be necessary to format the hard drive. However, formatting will cause data loss, so it’s important to try other methods first. If you have a backup of your data, you can restore it after formatting the drive.
In conclusion, there are several methods you can try to fix a corrupted hard drive, from manual methods to using data recovery software. By following these steps, you can hopefully restore your hard drive to working order and recover your data.