How to repair corrupted external hard disk​?

The methods include checking the hardware connection, using built in tools in different operating systems, and employing third  party software. Additionally, data recovery and professional repair services are also discussed.

Check the Hardware Connection

Inspect the Cable and Port: A loose or damaged cable or port can cause issues that mimic a corrupted hard disk. Try using a different USB cable to connect the external hard disk to your computer. Also, test different USB ports on your computer to rule out the possibility of a faulty port. If the hard disk has a power adapter, make sure it’s properly connected and the power supply is working.

Check the Hard Disk Enclosure: If the external hard disk is in an enclosure, there could be a problem with the enclosure itself. Some external hard drives allow you to remove the internal hard disk from the enclosure. If possible, remove the hard drive from the enclosure and connect it directly to your computer using a SATA – to – USB adapter. This can help determine if the issue is with the enclosure or the hard drive itself.

Use Built – in Tools in Operating Systems

Windows CHKDSK Utility: CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a built – in tool in Windows that can check the file system integrity of a disk and repair any errors it finds. To use CHKDSK, follow these steps:

Plug in the external hard disk and make sure it’s recognized by your computer.

Open File Explorer and right – click on the external hard disk drive letter.

Select “Properties” from the context menu.

In the Properties window, go to the “Tools” tab.

Under “Error checking”, click the “Check” button. Windows will then scan the disk for errors and repair them if possible.

Mac Disk Utility: Disk Utility is a tool on Mac that can be used to repair a corrupted external hard disk. Here’s how to use it:

Connect the external hard disk to your Mac.

Open Disk Utility. You can find it by going to “Applications” > “Utilities” > “Disk Utility”.

In Disk Utility, select the external hard disk from the list on the left.

Click the “First Aid” button. Disk Utility will then scan the disk for errors and attempt to repair them.

Employ Third – Party Software

Panda Assistant is a powerful tool designed to help users recover lost or corrupted data from external hard disks, along with other storage devices. It stands out as a user-friendly and effective solution for repairing corrupted external hard disks, restoring files, and ensuring that your data remains intact.

External hard disks can become corrupted due to various reasons, such as sudden power outages, physical damage, faulty cables, virus attacks, or system errors. Once corrupted, the external hard disk might not be accessible, or it may show error messages, such as “drive not recognized” or “disk is unreadable.” This can be a stressful situation, especially if the disk contains important files.

Data Recovery Considerations

Stop Using the Disk Immediately: As soon as you notice that your external hard disk is corrupted, stop using it right away. Continuing to use the disk can cause further damage and make data recovery more difficult. Any new writes to the disk can overwrite existing data, increasing the risk of permanent data loss.

Backup Recovered Data: Once you have used a data recovery tool to recover files from the corrupted external hard disk, make sure to back up the recovered data to another storage device. This ensures that the data is safe in case the external hard disk fails completely or develops further issues. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or optical discs to store the backed – up data.

Use Professional Data Recovery Services: If the above methods do not successfully recover your data or if you are dealing with a critical data loss situation, it may be necessary to use professional data recovery services. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to handle complex hard disk failures. However, they can be expensive. Some well – known data recovery companies include Seagate Data Recovery Services, Kroll Ontrack, and DriveSavers. When choosing a data recovery service, make sure to do your research, read reviews, and get an estimate of the cost before proceeding.

Professional Repair Services

When to Seek Professional Help: If the external hard disk is still under warranty, it’s often a good idea to contact the manufacturer first. They may offer repair or replacement services. Additionally, if the hard disk has physical damage, such as a clicking noise or if it’s not spinning properly, it’s best to leave the repair to professionals. Physical damage to the hard disk requires specialized tools and clean – room facilities to repair, and attempting to open the hard disk yourself can cause further damage.

Choosing a Reputable Repair Service: Look for a repair service with a good reputation and experience in handling external hard disks. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or colleagues who have had similar issues. A reliable repair service should offer a free evaluation of the hard disk to determine the extent of the damage and provide you with a detailed estimate of the repair cost. They should also guarantee their work and provide a reasonable turnaround time for the repair.