Ever since they first appeared, external hard drives have dominated the file storage market. However, although the technology keeps improving, no one is immune to computer hardware that stops working. There are many possible causes for an external hard drive malfunction. Fortunately, there are solutions to avoid losing the files stored on it. Here is how to recover files from an external hard drive that no longer works.

How can an external hard drive malfunction be explained?

External hard drives are made up of rotating platters that are sensitive to magnetic disturbance. The files saved on the device are stored on these platters. When the drive is running, small read heads create variations in the magnetic field by floating just above the platters. This process is what allows files to be read or written.

When the platters suffer too much damage, it becomes impossible to recover the files stored on them. This type of problem generally results from the drive being dropped or from poor maintenance. Indeed, too violent a shock can throw the read heads onto the platters, creating scratches that prevent the files from being read.

That said, some faults only slightly affect an external drive. Even though it no longer works, it is often still possible to extract the data stored on it. These are malfunctions related to the hard drive’s architecture or to a motor failure. Ultimately, as long as the platters are not damaged, you have a chance of recovering your data.

How should you go about recovering data from a hard drive that no longer works?

The recovery of your files depends on the type of problem you are facing. For the simplest problems, you will be able to handle it yourself. In certain other cases, you will need to use software designed for this kind of issue. When the malfunction is beyond your skills, it is recommended that you call in a professional.

How can you recover your own data from an external hard drive that no longer works?

When the problem the drive is experiencing is due to corruption of its file system, there is a good chance you will be able to extract your files yourself. However, you will need to be careful. Trying to copy data onto the drive or read certain files could cause all of it to disappear permanently. Repairing these corrupted files will automatically solve your problem. How do you go about it? Simply follow this procedure:

  • Connect the broken external hard drive to your laptop;
  • Right-click on the “Start” tab of your computer to access the list of tools; select the “Command Prompt” option;
  • After right-clicking, type “chkdsk c: /f”, making sure to replace c with the letter assigned to your external hard drive. If it is mounted as g, for example, insert g instead of c. You can find the drive’s letter by going to the “Disk Management” tab on your computer.
  • Finally, press the Enter key on your keyboard.

If you manage to access your data after this operation, then your problem is solved. On the other hand, if this solution no longer works, try recovery software.

How can you use recovery software to extract data from a drive that no longer works?

Recovery software will not repair the damaged partitions on your faulty external drive. Its only function is to extract the data present on the drive and move it to another storage medium. You will therefore need a USB stick, an SD card, or another drive to copy your files onto. Paid software often has features that let you find data that free software cannot locate. They are more powerful.

Among the most common free software options are:

  • Recuva.
  • PC Inspector File Recovery.
  • TestDisk.
  • EaseUS Partition Recovery.

The last two are notable for being effective even when the drive does not appear in the device manager. These are partition recovery software tools. Among paid tools, Recoverit Data Recovery or Remo Data Recovery should be able to satisfy your needs. They work equally well on Windows and on Mac. If you still cannot recover your files even after using software, contact a professional.

Why go to a data recovery specialist?

Have you tried the methods suggested above and they didn’t work? Are you afraid of making a mistake and losing all of your files? So how can you recover your data?

It’s time to visit a specialist. They will know how to detect the fault without any trouble. They will also be able to recover your lost files without affecting the integrity of the platters, and repair your drive if possible. You can also send your non-working drive to specialized labs, but the cost of file recovery could rise considerably. The best solution, then, is to find a shop with a genuine specialist in external hard drives.