The first step in recovering from a data loss is to ascertain whether
the loss is a result of a physical hard drive failure, i.e. broken
hardware; or, a logical drive failure, i.e. corruption or loss of File
System or data. This article identifies the symptoms of physical hard
drive failure.
Symptoms of a Physical Hard Drive Failure
There are a number of warning factors that can alert you to a physical drive failure. These include:
- Drive shows as "Not Initialized" in Windows Disk Management;
- Drive not spinning (no power);
- An excessively hot drive;
- An abnormal ticking noise whilst the drive is reading data;
- A loud clicking or grinding noise.
A Note Re. External USB Hard Drive Data Recovery
An external USB drive adds another layer of USB electronics between
the hard disk and the computer. These USB components are also subject to
failure. When dealing with a failed external drive, part of the
diagnostic procedure is to remove the drive from its case and try an
alternate connection.
1. Not Initialized in Windows Disk Management
Windows > Disk Management lists the physical drives recognized by
the computer and the way in which the space on those drives is
allocated. A "not initialized" error is a signal of a fundamental
communication error. Usually an attempt to initialize a hardware failed
drive will result in a low level "I/O" (Input / Output) error.
2. Drive Not Spinning (no power)
If a correctly powered drive is not spinning (i.e. it is silent) it
can be an indication of a problem with the hard drive Printed Circuit
Board (PCB). The PCB holds the electronics responsible for controlling
the operation of the drive and its communication with the computer. It
is possible to replace a printed circuit board, but this should only be
undertaken by an experienced hard drive data recovery professional. It
is essential that the replacement PCB not only be an identical make and
model, but it must also hold the identical firmware to the original
board.
3. Excessively Hot Drive
A traditional (non Solid State) drive contains disks called
'platters'. These platters are coated with a magnetic substance and spin
at high speed under an mechanical arm (the 'actuator' arm) that moves
backwards and forwards over the surface of each platter. On the end of
this metallic arm is a small copper wire. The computer sends a pulse
through this wire which changes the state of the magnetic surface of a
platter as it passes underneath. In this way the files that you store on
your computer are encoded into the magnetic substance. The tolerances
within a hard drive are finely calibrated. As with any mechanical moving
parts, the friction in movement creates heat. A physical problem (or
pending physical problem) may therefore present as an abnormally hot
drive.
4. Abnormal Ticking Noise
In some instances a failing hard drive can present with an abnormal
ticking noise whilst the disk is reading data. This can be a sign that
the disk has bad sectors (the magnetic storage on that part of the drive
is degraded). The noise is generated by the actuator arm returning to
the same spot on the disk in multiple read attempts.
5. Loud Ticking or Grinding Noise
A more serious mechanical error is an abnormal loud clicking or a grinding noise.
This is a serious issue as it is usually an indicator of significant
mechanical failure. Continued use puts the platters containing the data
at risk of permanent and irreversible damage. The drive should be
powered down immediately.
Hard Drive Data Recovery
It
may be possible on a degrading drive to successfully run data
recovery software and retrieve data. Consideration should however be
given to recovery techniques which will minimize drive access, for
example, and MFT recovery rather than a block scan of the entire drive.
It may also be prudent to attempt to acquire a sector by sector disk
image of the problem media.
In more serious cases it is necessary to send the hard drive a
hard drive data recovery service. Hardware data recovery is a more
expensive path as technicians may need to disassemble the hard drive to
recover the data. Hard drive data recovery is usually done in a 'clean room'
as hard drives are sealed to avoid errors caused by dust or other
particles. Hard drives are finely tuned machinery and it takes
specialist equipment to read the platters from a physically damaged
drive.
If you are sending your hard drive to a data recovery specialist then
you should attempt to obtain an upfront estimate of fees (although you
will rarely get one), ask that if you send your hard drive for quotation
purposes will they send it back to you in the same condition if you
choose not to use the service, and make sure you send it to a reputable
company as you may only get one chance at hard drive data recovery.