Data recovery from damaged external hard disk​

External hard disks are a popular choice for storing large amounts of data, from personal photos and videos to important business files. However, they are not immune to damage, which can result in the loss of valuable data.

External hard disks are often used on the go, which makes them vulnerable to accidental drops. When an external hard disk is dropped, the internal components, such as the platters and the read – write heads, can be severely damaged. The impact can cause the platters to scratch, leading to bad sectors. The read – write heads may also be misaligned or physically damaged, preventing them from accessing the data on the platters accurately.

Overheating

Prolonged use or improper ventilation can cause external hard disks to overheat. High temperatures can damage the electronic components of the hard disk, including the circuit board. Heat can also expand the internal components, which may lead to misalignment of the read – write heads and damage to the magnetic coating on the platters.

Power – Related Issues

Sudden power outages or incorrect power supply can damage an external hard disk. A power surge can fry the electronic components on the hard disk’s circuit board. In some cases, if the power supply is not providing the correct voltage or current, it can cause the hard disk to malfunction, leading to data loss.

Logical Damage

File System Corruption

The file system is the structure that the operating system uses to organize and access data on the hard disk. Errors in the file system can occur due to improper shutdowns, software glitches, or malware infections. For example, if a computer crashes while the external hard disk is in use, the file system may become corrupted. This can result in the inability to access files, as the operating system can no longer correctly interpret the file system’s metadata.

Virus and Malware Infections

Viruses and malware can target the data on external hard disks. Some malicious software may encrypt the files on the hard disk, holding the data hostage until a ransom is paid. Other types of malware may delete files, modify file structures, or corrupt the boot sector of the hard disk, making it unreadable.

Accidental Deletion or Formatting

Users may accidentally delete important files from an external hard disk. In some cases, they may even accidentally format the entire hard disk, erasing all the data. While the data may not be immediately physically erased from the hard disk, the file system metadata that points to the location of the files is removed, making it difficult to access the data without proper recovery methods.

Data Recovery Methods

Software – Based Data Recovery

File Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a powerful data recovery software that helps users recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards. With its intuitive interface, the software supports multiple file types such as documents, photos, videos, and audio files. Panda Assistant can perform quick and deep scans to locate recoverable files, even from corrupted or formatted partitions. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it a versatile tool for recovering data from NTFS, FAT32. and exFAT file systems. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced user, Panda Assistant offers reliable and efficient data recovery solutions.

Disk Imaging Software

Disk imaging software can create a bit – by – bit copy of the entire external hard disk. This image can then be analyzed and recovered from. Tools like dd (available in Linux) and Win32 Disk Imager (for Windows) can be used to create disk images. Once the image is created, data recovery software can be used on the image file rather than directly on the damaged hard disk. This approach is useful when the hard disk has bad sectors or other physical issues that may cause further damage if accessed directly.

Professional Data Recovery Services

Clean Room Recovery

For physically damaged hard disks, especially those with issues like head crashes or platter damage, clean room recovery is often required. Clean rooms are facilities with a controlled environment, free from dust, humidity, and other contaminants. In a clean room, technicians can open the hard disk drive and replace damaged components, such as the read – write heads. They can then use specialized equipment to access the data on the platters. This process is highly technical and expensive but is often the only way to recover data from severely physically damaged hard disks.

Firmware Repair

The firmware of an external hard disk is a set of instructions that control the operation of the hard disk. In some cases, firmware corruption can cause the hard disk to be unreadable. Professional data recovery services have the expertise to repair or replace the firmware. They can use specialized tools to access the hard disk’s internal firmware storage and rewrite the correct firmware code. This can often restore the functionality of the hard disk and allow for data recovery.

Preventive Measures

Backup Strategies

Regular Backups

The most effective way to prevent data loss from a damaged external hard disk is to perform regular backups. This can be done using built – in backup software in operating systems, such as Time Machine in macOS or File History in Windows. By scheduling regular backups, users can ensure that their data is constantly protected. For example, a user can set up a daily backup of their important work files to an external hard disk or a cloud storage service.

Multiple Backup Locations

In addition to regular backups, it is advisable to store backups in multiple locations. This can include an external hard disk, a network – attached storage (NAS) device, and a cloud storage service. Storing backups in multiple locations protects against different types of disasters. For example, if an external hard disk is damaged in a fire, the data can still be retrieved from the cloud storage or the NAS device.

Proper Handling and Maintenance

Gentle Handling

Users should handle external hard disks with care. This means avoiding dropping the hard disk, keeping it away from rough surfaces, and not subjecting it to excessive vibrations. When transporting an external hard disk, it should be placed in a protective case.

Proper Ventilation and Temperature Control

External hard disks should be used and stored in a well – ventilated area. Avoid placing the hard disk in direct sunlight or near heat sources. If the hard disk is used for long periods, it may be beneficial to use a cooling pad to keep it at a proper operating temperature.

Use of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

To protect against power – related issues, an uninterruptible power supply can be used. A UPS provides a short – term power backup in case of a power outage. This allows the user to safely shut down the computer and the external hard disk, preventing file system corruption and other power – related damage.