Programs to fix hard drives​

Hard drives are the backbone of data storage in most computing devices. They can, however, encounter various issues over time, ranging from minor logical errors to catastrophic physical failures. Fortunately, there are numerous programs available that can help diagnose and fix hard drive problems. 

Types of Hard Drive Issues

Logical Errors

File System Corruption

File systems like NTFS (used in Windows) and HFS+ (used in macOS) can become corrupted due to improper shutdowns, software glitches, or malware attacks. This can lead to issues such as inaccessible files, missing directories, and incorrect file permissions.

Bad Sectors (Logical)

Logical bad sectors are areas on the hard drive that the file system has marked as defective. They can be caused by software – related problems, and in some cases, can be repaired.

Boot Sector Errors

The boot sector is crucial for the computer to start up. Errors in the boot sector, such as a damaged master boot record (MBR) or a corrupt boot loader, can prevent the computer from booting.

Physical Issues

Bad Sectors (Physical)

Physical bad sectors are actual physical defects on the hard drive platter. These can be due to wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or physical damage to the drive. Once a physical bad sector occurs, data stored in that area is often lost, and the sector cannot be easily repaired in the traditional sense.

Mechanical Failures

Components such as the read – write heads, spindle motor, or actuator arm can fail. A failed read – write head may not be able to access data on the platter, while a malfunctioning spindle motor can cause the drive to spin erratically or not at all.

Programs for Fixing Hard Drives

Built – in Operating System Tools

Windows CHKDSK (Check Disk)

Function: CHKDSK is a command – line utility in Windows that scans the hard drive for file system errors and bad sectors. It can fix logical errors, such as incorrect file system metadata, and mark bad sectors to prevent further data loss.

Usage: To run CHKDSK, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. For a drive, say, the C: drive, you can use the command chkdsk C: /f /r. The /f option fixes errors on the disk, and the /r option locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.

Limitations: CHKDSK can only address logical issues. It cannot repair physical bad sectors in a way that restores data. Also, if the drive has severe file system corruption, CHKDSK may not be able to fully fix all the problems.

Panda Assistant

Panda Assistant is not specifically designed to fix mechanical issues like a ticking hard drive, as it focuses on data recovery, file management, and troubleshooting software-related problems. However, if your hard drive is ticking due to logical or software issues, Panda Assistant may help recover important files or identify file system problems.

If the ticking sound is due to a mechanical failure (e.g., a head crash or motor issue), Panda Assistant won’t be able to address the root cause. In such cases, you should focus on securing your data as quickly as possible by using Panda Assistant to recover accessible files. If the hard drive is still functioning intermittently, you can use the software to backup your important data before the drive fails completely.

For hardware issues like a failing motor or stuck read/write head, you should consider professional data recovery services. They have the specialized tools and knowledge to handle damaged drives and recover data from physically failing hard drives.

macOS Disk Utility

Function: Disk Utility in macOS is a comprehensive tool for disk management and repair. It can verify and repair disk permissions, which can sometimes cause issues with accessing files. It can also check for and repair file system errors on HFS+ and APFS (Apple File System) volumes.

Usage: Open Disk Utility from the Applications > Utilities folder. Select the disk or volume you want to work on. You can then use the “First Aid” option to verify and repair the disk.

Limitations: Similar to Windows’ built – in tools, Disk Utility is better at handling logical issues. Physical drive problems are beyond its scope, and in some cases, if the drive has complex file system corruption, it may not be able to fully resolve the issues.

Third – Party Programs

TestDisk

Function: TestDisk is a powerful open – source data recovery and disk repair tool. It can be used to repair damaged partition tables, recover lost partitions, and even fix the MBR. It has the ability to rebuild partition tables on both BIOS and GPT (GUID Partition Table) – based disks.

Usage: TestDisk is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. After downloading and extracting the program, run the executable. It has a text – based interface. You start by selecting the disk you want to work on, then choose the appropriate partition table type (if applicable). The program will then scan the disk for lost partitions and damaged structures.

Limitations: TestDisk is more focused on partition – related issues and data recovery. While it can repair some file system – adjacent problems like a damaged MBR, it may not be as effective for general – purpose file system corruption like a deeply damaged NTFS or HFS+ file system.

MiniTool Partition Wizard

Function: MiniTool Partition Wizard is a popular third – party disk management and repair tool. It can resize, move, copy, and delete partitions. It also has features to check and repair file system errors, and it can mark bad sectors. Additionally, it can be used to convert between different partition styles (e.g., MBR to GPT).

Usage: The program has a user – friendly graphical interface. After installing and running the program, you can select the disk and partition you want to work on. The “Check File System” option can be used to scan for and fix file system errors, and the “Surface Test” can be used to detect bad sectors.

Limitations: In the free version, there are some limitations on the number of operations you can perform. Also, like many other tools, it cannot fully repair physical hard drive failures.

HD Tune Pro

Function: HD Tune Pro is a disk diagnostic tool. It can perform a variety of tests on hard drives, including read and write speed tests, error scanning, and health monitoring. The error scan can detect bad sectors, and it provides detailed information about the drive’s performance and status.

Usage: Install and run HD Tune Pro. Select the hard drive you want to test from the drop – down menu. You can then choose from different test options, such as the “Error Scan” which will check the entire drive surface for bad sectors.

Limitations: HD Tune Pro is mainly a diagnostic tool. While it can detect bad sectors, it does not have built – in functionality to repair physical bad sectors. It can also be a bit resource – intensive during long scans.

EaseUS Partition Master

Function: EaseUS Partition Master offers a range of disk management and repair functions. It can create, delete, resize, and merge partitions. It can also check and fix file system errors, and it has a feature to migrate the operating system to a new hard drive.

Usage: The program has an intuitive graphical interface. After launching, select the disk and partition you want to operate on. The “Check File System” function can be used to scan for and fix logical file system issues.

Limitations: The free version has some restrictions on advanced features. Also, like other similar tools, it is not designed to repair physical hard drive components.

Advanced Considerations for Hard Drive Repair

Data Backup

Before attempting any hard drive repair, it is crucial to back up as much data as possible. Even if the hard drive is malfunctioning, there may still be accessible data that can be saved. Programs like EaseUS Todo Backup (for Windows) or Time Machine (for macOS) can be used to create backups. In cases where the drive is severely damaged, professional data recovery services may be required.

When to Seek Professional Help

Severe Physical Damage

If the hard drive has suffered physical damage, such as a dropped drive or a clicking noise (which may indicate a problem with the read – write heads or spindle motor), it is best to consult a professional data recovery service. These services have specialized equipment and clean – room environments to handle physically damaged drives.

Complex File System Issues

When multiple attempts by various repair programs have failed to fix file system corruption, and the data is critical, professional help may be needed. Professionals may have access to more advanced forensic tools and techniques to salvage data and repair the file system.