How to Recover Data from a Damaged Hard Drive | Broken / Dead / Damaged HDD

How to Recover Data from a Damaged Hard Drive:

1. Download and install the "Data Recovery Wizard" tool on your computer. 2. Select your hard drive and click the Scan button. 3. Preview the files and then click Recover.  Learn more...

When you find that your hard drive doesn't respond and attempting to boot from it results only in a few clicking sounds before it stops, you probably have a dead hard drive on your hands.

If you discover that your hard drive is damaged, don't panic. You can learn how to recover data from a broken hard drive by following the steps below.

1. How to Use Recovery Software to Retrieve Data from a Damaged Hard Drive

Use the Data Recovery Wizard tool to create a data recovery boot disk that helps you retrieve your data in case of system crashes and booting issues. Follow these steps to recover data from a damaged HDD:

Aside from retrieving lost files from damaged hard drives, the Data Recovery Wizard tool also supports data retrieval from RAID, external hard drives, dynamic disks, memory cards, and more. It can also recover deleted photos/documents/media files, files from formatted storage, and restore data from lost partitions, among others.

We provide you with a detailed guide on how to recover files from a dead laptop or desktop hard drive:

Step 1: Create a Bootable Disk

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard, select “Crashed PC Recovery” and click “Start Recovery”.

Select a blank USB drive to create the bootable drive, and click “Create.”

Caution: The Data Recovery Wizard will erase all data on the USB flash drive when creating a bootable disk. Back up important data beforehand.

Step 2: Boot your computer from the bootable USB drive

Connect the bootable disk to the non-booting computer, and change the computer's boot order in BIOS. For most users, restarting your computer and pressing F2 as it boots up will work to enter BIOS.

Set the PC to boot from “Removable Device” (your bootable USB drive) rather than from the hard disk. Press “F10” to save and exit.

Restart from the bootable USB

Step 3: Recover data from the crashed system/computer

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard from the tool's main interface, select the drive you wish to scan for all lost files, preview them, and recover the required files to a secure location.

✨Hint: The Possibility of Data Recovery from a Damaged Hard Drive✨ When a hard drive fails, the chances of data recovery depend on several factors. Here are some key points to assess the likelihood of retrieving data: 1. **Type of Hardware Failure**: Damage can be mechanical (such as issues with the motor or read/write heads) or electronic (like a faulty circuit board). Mechanical failures are typically more complex, while electronic ones may be easier to fix. 2. **Importance of Data**: If the data is critical, consider professional data recovery services. They have specialized equipment and techniques that can increase the success rate. 3. **Backup Availability**: Do you have a backup? If so, the recovery process might simply involve copying the backup onto a new drive. 4. **Sounds Heard**: Unusual sounds like clicking or buzzing from the hard drive could indicate severe mechanical issues, reducing the chances of recovery. 5. **Attempted Access**: Try connecting the hard drive to another computer to see if it's recognized. If it is, data recovery software might be able to retrieve some or all of the data. 6. **Time Since Data Loss**: The sooner action is taken after data loss, the higher the likelihood of recovery. As time passes, damage can worsen. 7. **Professional Software**: Using specialized data recovery software can help restore files in certain cases, but might not be effective for severe hardware failures. Remember, attempting self-repairs can further damage the drive and data. In most instances, seeking professional assistance is advisable.

Hard-drive failure will eventually afflict all computer users, and the loss of irreplaceable photographs, music, documents, and other files is a major annoyance.

Don't worry; as long as the platters themselves are undamaged, your data can usually be recovered. If you have a backup of your important data, that's great. But if you don't, and the components in your hard drive are still operable, you can use a bootable CD/DVD and a dead hard drive recovery software to retrieve your data from the damaged hard drive.

TIP: Make sure the disk is recognized as an “Online Disk,” and that its partitions or unallocated space appears normal. Then, you can proceed with this software. If the disk is not recognized as an “Online Disk,” you may refer to Solving HDD Not Online and Other Issues.

Don't forget to share this hard drive recovery tool and tips with more friends on social media!

2. Recovering Data from a Damaged Hard Drive Using Data Recovery Services

If the software is unable to recover data from a damaged or failing hard drive, you will need professional assistance. To effectively repair a damaged disk and retrieve your data, utilize a professional Data Recovery Service tool for the recovery process.

Bad Hard Drive Recovery Service

Contact our experts for a free evaluation.

Consult with our Data Recovery Specialist for personalized, manual recovery assistance. After a free diagnosis, we offer the following services:

• Fix errors on HDDs, SSDs, external hard drives, and USB flash drives; recover data from all RAID levels
• Restore lost partitions that cannot be recovered by data recovery software
• Repair disks with bad sectors that are unreadable or inaccessible
• Recover data from a corrupted hard drive
• Erase data, unformat hard drives, install/uninstall software or drivers, etc.

3. Recover Data from Hard Drive with HDD Backup

This method might not help if you don't back up your hard drive. If you're sure you don't have a local backup, check your Windows Recycle Bin to see if the file you need is there. It's easy to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin by clicking “Restore.”

Here's how to recover data from a damaged hard drive using File History:

Step 1: Use the Windows search box to quickly find File History. Just type “Restore your files with File History” and launch it.

Step 2. You can now view the file's backup history. Select the version you want to restore and click the “Restore” button.

Additional Tip: How to Fix Hard Drive Issues If you encounter problems with your hard drive, here are some steps to troubleshoot them: 1. **Check Hardware Connections**: Ensure the hard drive is correctly and securely connected to your computer. For desktops, verify that data and power cables are properly plugged in. For laptops, you may need to open the back cover to inspect internal connections. 2. **Run Disk Checking Tools**: In Windows, use the `chkdsk` command to scan for hard drive errors. Open Command Prompt, type `chkdsk /f /r C:` (where C: is your hard drive letter), then press Enter. This will fix file system errors and bad sectors. 3. **Update Drivers**: Make sure your hard drive's driver is up to date. In Device Manager, locate the hard drive, right-click, and select "Update Driver." 4. **Boot in Safe Mode**: If issues occur during normal startup, try booting your computer in Safe Mode. This can help rule out software conflicts. 5. **System Restore or Reinstall**: If the above methods fail, consider restoring your system to a previous known good state or completely reinstalling the operating system. Note that this may result in loss of personal data. 6. **Professional Assistance**: If the problem persists, you might need professional data recovery services. Physical damage to the hard drive might require specialized equipment and expertise to repair. 7. **Regular Backups**: To avoid data loss due to hard drive failure, always back up important files regularly. Use external hard drives, cloud storage services, or network-attached storage devices. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Maintain good hard drive upkeep habits and regularly back up your data to avoid unnecessary hassles.

If your hard drive does not appear Online, follow the steps to fix it.

How to Fix an HDD Showing "Online (Error)"?

A dynamic disk shows as Online (with Errors) when it detects an I/O error. Usually, all volumes on the disk show as Critical.

If the I/O error is temporary (for example, a loose cable), reactivate the disk.

If it still shows Healthy (with issues), a disk failure might be imminent. Back up your data and replace the disk as soon as possible.

?2. How to Fix "HDD Shows Uninitialized"

The uninitialized disk status occurs when a disk lacks a valid signature or gets affected by a virus.

Step 1: Connect the hard drive to another computer to check if it functions normally. If it still shows as uninitialized, you can proceed with initialization.

2. Right-click the disk, and then click Initialize Disk. The status of the disk temporarily changes to Initializing, and then to Online.

How to Fix a Hard Drive Showing as "Lost"

A disk appears as Lost when it is damaged, turned off, or disconnected.

Open "Disk Management," right-click the missing drive, and click "Reactivate Disk." If you have multiple missing disks, Disk Management will attempt to reactivate all of them.

How to Fix a Disk Showing as "Foreign"

A dynamic disk appears as "Foreign" when it is moved from another computer to this one, or when a Windows XP Home Edition computer is set up to dual-boot with another operating system that uses dynamic disks. You can resolve this issue by importing the "foreign" disk.

• Right-click the disk and select “Import Foreign Disk.” No data is lost.

How to Fix "Device Cannot Read or No Media"

The "unreadable" status typically occurs when a basic disk or dynamic disk is inaccessible. This can be due to hardware failure, disk damage, or I/O errors. You can follow these steps to resolve this issue:

A. Rescan the disk. Click Operations > Rescan Disk, or restart the computer, to see if the disk status has changed.

B. Update the driver through Device Manager:

Step 1: In Device Manager, double-click the device (which usually has a yellow exclamation point icon next to it), and then open the Driver Properties dialog box.

Step 2: Go to the Drivers tab, and click Update Driver.

Step 3: Click “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

When your external hard drive is having issues, try the following fixes. If you see obvious damage, like strange noises, visible cracks, or a broken circuit board, get it to a professional right away. The methods below are more suitable for fixing non-physical damage.

Before you go, consider sharing these tips on social media to help other readers!

6. Repair file system errors to fix disk issues

If your hard drive has bad sectors or internal errors, it can become damaged easily. If you know how to run the CHKDSK command on your computer, fixing hard drive issues will be a breeze.

• Press Win + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)."
• Click "Yes" to open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
• Type: chkdsk and press "Enter" to check for errors on the damaged hard drive.
• Input: chkdsk c: /f /r /x to have CHKDSK fix the drive issues. (Replace "C" with the letter of your damaged hard drive.)

Repair a corrupted non-system drive using a file manager

1. Press "Win + E" to open File Explorer, then right-click on the corresponding drive in the left pane. 2. Select "Properties," then click "Tools" and under "Error checking," hit "Check." 3. After the scan is complete, click "Repair this drive" to fix any detected errors on the drive.

? Run a thorough disk check.

1. Open "This PC," right-click on the hard drive, and select "Properties." 2. Click "Tools" > "Error Checking" > "Check." 3. Choose "Scan drive" and then click "Start." Close all running and open programs, and opt for the system to perform the check during the next startup. After that, restart your computer.

Check the disk

If it reports “bad sectors or clusters” on your disk, don't worry—the CHKDSK command can fix this issue.

Conclusion

Repairing a damaged hard drive is tricky, and should be taken seriously. But before you spend hundreds of dollars on an expert, try eliminating some easier fixes first. If you do manage to fix the drive and recover your data, replace it as soon as possible.

Don't forget to try using the software above to recover data from a damaged hard drive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Recovery from Damaged Hard Drives

You've learned how to recover data from a damaged, failed, or crashed hard drive. Now it's time to seek extra help.

1. How do I resuscitate a dying hard drive?

You can try the following steps to revive a dying HDD:

Place the hard drive in a waterproof sealable bag. Put the bag in the refrigerator for about an hour. If it doesn't start up normally, put it in the freezer for about an hour.

2. Can a damaged hard drive be repaired?

If the hard drive is not accessible, you can attempt to repair it using Disk Management. Alternatively, you can reach out to a data recovery service to fix the faulty hard drive.

III. What to Do with a Failed Hard Drive?

What should I do if my hard drive is failing?

A failing hard drive doesn't mean it's dead; it just means it's on its way out. So, first and foremost, protect your data. That should be priority one:

• Recover data from hard drive
• Backup hard drive data
• Repair hard drive