How to recover data from crashed hard disk​?

When a hard disk crashes, it could be due to various reasons, such as physical damage, logical errors, or file system corruption. In this guide, we will explore the steps you need to take in order to recover data from a crashed hard disk. We will cover both software-based recovery techniques and professional recovery methods for more severe cases, as well as provide preventive measures for avoiding data loss in the future.

A hard disk crash occurs when the drive fails to operate correctly, preventing you from accessing your files. It could be due to various factors, including:

Mechanical Failures: A malfunctioning motor or read/write head damage in a hard disk drive (HDD).

Electrical Failures: Power surges or improper shutdowns that damage the internal circuitry.

File System Corruption: Corruption in the file system structure that makes it impossible for the operating system to recognize or access files.

Bad Sectors: Areas of the disk that become unreadable due to physical damage or wear.

Accidental Deletion or Formatting: You might accidentally delete critical files or format the drive, causing data loss.

Step 1: Diagnosing the Problem

Before attempting any data recovery, it is important to diagnose the cause of the crash. The following are some common scenarios:

1.1 Physical Damage

If you hear clicking, grinding, or whirring sounds from the hard disk, this could indicate mechanical failure. In such cases, you should avoid further attempts to access the disk, as this could cause more damage to the hardware.

1.2 Power Issues

If the hard disk is not spinning up, it might be due to a power issue, such as a defective power supply or faulty cable. Check the power connections and try connecting the hard disk to another system to confirm if the issue is related to the power.

1.3 Logical Failures

If the hard disk is recognized by the operating system but you cannot access the files, it could be a logical failure (e.g., file system corruption, accidental deletion, etc.). In this case, data recovery software might be able to help.

1.4 Bad Sectors

Bad sectors occur when portions of the disk become damaged or corrupted. These sectors are not physically damaged but are no longer readable. Tools like CHKDSK (on Windows) or fsck (on Linux) can help identify and possibly recover data from bad sectors.

Step 2: Preparing for Data Recovery

Once you’ve diagnosed the cause of the crash, you can begin preparing for data recovery. Here are the steps to take:

2.1 Stop Using the Drive

When you experience a hard disk crash, it is crucial to stop using the drive immediately. Writing new data to the drive could overwrite the existing data, making it harder or even impossible to recover the lost files.

2.2 Create a Backup Plan

If you have not already backed up your data, this is the time to consider backing up your important files. When recovering data, you should also create a backup of the data that is still accessible, if possible.

2.3 Use a Different Computer

To avoid damaging the crashed drive further, you should connect it to a different, functional computer. You will need either a USB-to-SATA adapter, a docking station, or a spare internal hard disk slot in the computer.

2.4 Prepare Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a comprehensive data recovery tool designed to help users retrieve lost, deleted, or corrupted files from various storage devices. Whether files are accidentally deleted, lost due to system crashes, or become inaccessible due to file system corruption, Panda Assistant offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the recovery process. The software supports a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, and audio files, and works with hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, and even RAID systems.

One of its key features is its ability to scan both quick and deep levels of storage, ensuring that even files that have been overwritten or hidden can be recovered. Additionally, Panda Assistant provides preview options for recovered files, allowing users to check the integrity of the files before committing to recovery. The software also includes support for recovering files from formatted drives and partitions, as well as the ability to handle external storage devices with ease.

Step 3: Software-Based Data Recovery

Software-based recovery methods are effective when the issue is logical, such as file system corruption, accidental file deletion, or formatting. Here’s how you can proceed with software-based data recovery:

3.1 Install the Recovery Software

Before using recovery software, install it on a different drive than the one you’re trying to recover from to avoid overwriting any data. If you’re using a computer with only one drive, you can install the software on a USB stick or external drive.

3.2 Launch the Data Recovery Software

After installation, open the recovery software and select the drive that has crashed as the target for recovery. Most data recovery software will give you a list of all available drives.

3.3 Scan the Drive

Most recovery software will perform a “quick scan” to search for recoverable files. If this doesn’t yield satisfactory results, you can opt for a “deep scan” or “full scan,” which will search sector by sector for any recoverable data.

Quick Scan: Fast, but may not find files in heavily corrupted or damaged areas.

Deep Scan: Slower, but more thorough. It will search for files even in cases of logical corruption.

3.4 Preview and Recover Files

Once the scan completes, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Most programs allow you to preview the files to ensure they are intact. Select the files you wish to recover, and then choose a location on a different drive to save them.

3.5 Save the Recovered Data

After recovering the files, make sure to store them on a separate disk to prevent overwriting any data on the damaged drive.

Step 4: Dealing with Physical Failures

If the drive has experienced physical damage (e.g., clicking sounds or failure to spin), data recovery software will not help. In this case, you will need to consult a professional data recovery service.

4.1 Identify the Type of Damage

If the hard disk is not responding at all, try to determine if it is a mechanical failure, a damaged PCB, or a read/write head issue. These issues usually require specialized equipment to repair and recover data.

4.2 Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service

Professional data recovery services have the tools and expertise to handle physically damaged drives. Some of the most reputable companies include:

DriveSavers

Ontrack Data Recovery

Seagate Recovery Services

Professional services typically involve sending the damaged drive to a lab where experts will attempt to recover the data in a cleanroom environment. Keep in mind that these services can be expensive, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the damage.

4.3 Attempt Recovery in a Cleanroom

In cases of physical damage, a cleanroom is used to prevent dust particles from contaminating the internal components of the hard disk. If the drive’s platters are intact, technicians may replace damaged parts or use specialized equipment to extract data.

Step 5: Advanced Techniques for Severe Cases

If the damage to your hard disk is so severe that data recovery software and professional services have not worked, there are still some advanced techniques you can try. However, these methods should be considered last resorts, as they carry the risk of permanent data loss.

5.1 Head Replacement

In cases where the read/write heads have been damaged, replacing the heads with those from a donor drive might be possible. This process is complicated and requires experience and specialized tools.

5.2 Platter Recovery

If the platters (where the data is physically stored) are intact but the drive’s other components are damaged, the platters might be removed and placed into a working drive to recover the data. This is typically only done by professional recovery services.

Step 6: Preventing Future Data Loss

After successfully recovering your data, it is important to implement a strategy to protect against future crashes or data loss. Here are some preventive measures:

6.1 Backup Regularly

Create a backup plan that includes both local and cloud backups. Consider using the 3-2-1 rule:

Three total copies of your data.

Two backup copies stored on different media (e.g., external hard drive, cloud storage).

One copy stored off-site (cloud backup or physical storage at a different location).

6.2 Use Reliable Hardware

Invest in quality hard disks with a good warranty. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are more reliable than HDDs in terms of mechanical failure, though they still can suffer from data corruption or wear over time.

6.3 Monitor Drive Health

You can use tools like CrystalDiskInfo or HD Tune to monitor the health of your hard disk. These tools will alert you if the drive shows signs of failure, such as increased temperature or bad sectors.

6.4 Perform Regular Disk Maintenance

Regularly run disk cleanup and defragmentation tools to keep the hard disk in good working condition. Avoid using the drive heavily or in an environment with excessive heat, moisture, or vibration.