How to Recover Files From a Crashed Hard Disk: Full Guide

Introduction

A computer’s crashed hard disk could spell disaster, especially if it holds important documents, critical work files, and precious photos. Be it due to physical damage, software failure, or unexpected power interruptions; a crash usually results in data being inaccessible, and in the modern world free of hard drives, data recovery is almost non-existent. In most cases, users can regain access to their critical data without a professional’s assistance.

This guide focuses on how to recover files from a hard drive by using various methods such as DIY strategies and more professional tools and services.

What Causes a Hard Drive Crash?

The first step in a successful hard disk recovery is understanding what causes a hard disk to crash. A hard drive can fail due to several reasons. Let’s find out the reasons behind a hard drive crash.

1. Physical Damage: A laptop dropped or exposed to excessive heat or water can damage the hard drive physically.
2. File System Corruption: Improper shutdowns or power outages result in your file system corruption.
3. Bad Sectors: Obsolete sectors on the drive such as unreadable areas are also referred to as bad sectors.
4. Malware Attacks: Data loss can occur when a computer virus corrupts or encrypts essential information.
5. Firmware Issues: Failure of the hard drive can lead to crash due to errors in its controlling firmware.

Regardless of the reasons behind the failure, there are various methods to recover hard drive data and bring your file back to your system.

Step-by-Step Guide: Recovering Data from a Hard Drive

Let’s find out step by step how to recovering data from a hard drive. Each section differs depending on whether the hard drive is physically damaged or logically corrupted.

Step 1: Stop Using the Drive Immediately After a Crash

When the hard drive starts making awkward clicking or grinding sounds, please do not use the device. As the drive is used further, information and make recovering data from a hard drive become complex. Disconnect the device completely if you hear grinding or clicking noises.

Step 2: Analyse the Sort of Hard Drive Crash

Hard drive crash recovery tells us what caused the issue and how the procedure must be dealt with. Let’s discuss the types of failure:

• Logical Failure: In this situation, the hard drive can still be detected physically. However, you can’t get access to the files. This occurs mainly due to system bugs alongside corrupted system files.
• Physical Failure: If the hard drive experiences physical failure, it will be completely undetectable and make odd, unexplained noises. Depending on the recovery, professional assistance may or may not be needed.

Step 3: Use Data Recovery Software (If Logic Failure Occurs)

If the drive is logically damaged, your last chance is data recovery software. These software can recover files from HDDs and restore deleted, formatted, or inaccessible files. Let’s take a look to the list of these best software’s list:

Best Hard Drive Data Recovery Software: 

1.     Recuva (Windows) 
2.     EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard 
3.     Stellar Data Recovery 
4.     Disk Drill (Mac & Windows) 
5.     PhotoRec

How to Recover Files from a Hard Drive Using Software?

1.     First, install the recovery program on a separate drive. It will help eliminate any potential file overwriting. 
2.     Access the software and identify the hard disk that is non-operational. 
3.     Execute a comprehensive search that will uncover hidden and erased files. 
4.     Restore files from HDD to secured storage locations and preview them for validation. 

Accidental deletion or formatting of data does not restrict these applications from recovering files or recover data from hard drives.

Step 4: Connect the Hard Drive to a Different Computer

Sometimes, the problem could be with your OS or your hardware configurations. Remove the hard disk and insert it in a different computer using a SATA-to-USB adapter or external enclosure. If the system recognizes it, you may be able to recover hard drive data by copying important files or using recovery tools.

Step 5: Restore Data from Hard Drive Using Backed-Up Recovery Systems

If you regularly keep backups using Windows File History or Time Machine (Mac) or even other cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox, then file recovery is not difficult.

Here is the process to restore data from hard drive backups:

•       Launch your backup software.
•       Go to the data before the failure happened.
•       Choose the files or folders and press restore.

Step 6: Recover Data from Damaged Hard Drive (Physical Issues)

Hard drive data recovery from a damaged drive is more intricate with physical destruction. You have two options:

1. Data Recovery Services from Professionals

In case your drive is making odd sounds or is not functioning at all, consider professionals assistance. These companies have cleanrooms and specialized tools to recover data from damaged hard drive.

Recovery tools will cost you anywhere from $300 to $2000 depending on the degree of destruction.

2. DIY Physical Recovery (High Risk)

You may come across instructions on how to freeze the drive or open it up. Unless you are an expert, we caution against this for it may cause greater harm, but in case you don’t have any other options:

•       Using the cool method, touch the drive, and hope the platters move.
•       Only attempt this if data isn’t critical.

Tips to Recover Files from a Damaged Hard Drive

A corrupted hard drive has sectors that can still be read. The following steps will assist in how to recover files from a damaged hard drive:

1.     Execute CHKDSK as part of Windows OS.
2.     Enter this command in command prompt: chkdsk D: /f /r /x

The command checks for errors and attempts to rectify them.

3.     Use CMD to recover files from hard drive:
4.     Use this command: ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D D:\*. *

The command recovers files that were hidden in corrupted drives.

5.     Linux Live CD option:

Try to access the drive through booting your PC with Linux USB. In some cases, windows can’t work but Linux helps to read the drive.

How to Recover Files from HDD vs SSD?

HDDs house data in a magnetic format, while SSDs employ flash memory. Retrieving corrupted data from hard disk drives tends to be the most reliable due to a lower risk of overwritten data. Solid state drives are more complex, especially with TRIM activated, as they automatically erase the data blocks marked for deletion. Other SSDs can enable hard drive crash recovery after a hard reset.

Other premium devices like R-Studio and UFS Explorer offer flexibility when dealing with solid-state drives.

How Can You Recover Data from A Formatted Hard Drive?

Data is not permanently lost when you format a device. You can still recover a hard drive if it has been formatted:

•       Select the suitable recovery software.
•       Launch a full system scan. 
•       Search for available partitions with a file system or RAW data. 
•       Recover files from the hard drive and save them on a different storage device. 

How to Prevent Future Data Loss?

Although hard drive data recovery data is doable, taking preventive tips is a better option. The following points will help prevent loss of data:

1. Regular Backups: Conduct routine backups on external hard drives or cloud services. 
2. Avoid Overheating: Store devices in cool areas to prevent overheating. 
3. Use Surge Protectors: Use voltage surge protectors to avoid electrical damage to your hard drive.
4. Run Antivirus Software: Run antivirus software to block malware that would corrupt sensitive data. 
5. Update Firmware: Ensure the hard drive’s firmware is up to date.

Summary of Recovery Options

Here is a summary of the recovery options for hard drive data. Let’s take a final look at this chart.

Final Thoughts

The worry of losing crucial files because of a hard disk failure is understandable. However, there is no need to panic. In most cases, you can recover hard drive data if you understand the reason behind the crash and use the appropriate recovery technique.

There are numerous methods for recover a hard drive, even when it seems difficult to access, such as using dedicated software or seeking the help of IT professionals. With urgency and adhering to this guide, you can safely and efficiently retrieve data from the hard drive.

Always remember that the most effective way to protect your data loss is to make frequent backups, so begin backing up your data on a daily basis instead of trying to recover files from corrupted hard drive later.

Is it possible to recover data from a broken or dead hard drive?

Yes, you can recover data from your broken or dead hard drive but only if the platters are intact. In this situation we recommend you to get professional assistance or advance tools to recover hard disk data.

How much does it cost to recover files from a hard drive?

Most DIY Software offers services for free or for a maximum of $100. Professional help may set you back hundreds to thousands, depending on the extent of the damage.

Is it safe to use free recovery tools?

Yes, but if the tools are reputable and safe, like Recuva or PhotoRec. Do not save recovered file data to the same drive.

Is it possible to recover data from HDDs with bad sectors?

Absolutely. Most recovery programs will often bypass damaged and bad sectors and recover files from HDD which are undamaged or recoverable.