The hard drive (internal or external) is designed to keep your files safe. Like most computer components, it is a fragile element. A shock, a virus or even improper handling can affect its proper functioning. So, what should you do when faced with a broken hard drive? How can you recover the data it contains? Several solutions are available to you.
Free and paid data recovery software
There are many free or paid software programs to help you recover your files. They are particularly recommended in the event of a logical failure. This type of failure concerns the data storage part and not the mechanical part. As a result, the hard drive appears on your operating system, but the latter does not know how to read it.
The causes of logical failures are numerous:
- improper handling of the drive
- file corruption
- partition formatting, etc.
They do not require the casing to be opened by a professional. Indeed, free data recovery software is generally enough to recover some (or even all) of the files.
Among the most recommended are Recuva, Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and TestDisk. Beginners will appreciate the ease of use of the first three, while TestDisk will appeal more to more experienced users. In any case, the process remains the same: select the program, then run the scan. It’s also worth remembering that this type of program will help you find lost files kept on a USB stick, memory card, etc.
Most free software allows the recovery of lost files. But their features are sometimes limited. If you want more options, paid software is for you. In addition to the previously mentioned programs (which offer a paid version), we can mention Hexascan. It offers several advantages:
- It is easy to use
- It supports a wide variety of file systems
- It offers support in French
It is a benchmark in the field.
Recovering data from a broken drive: the expertise of a professional
Who better than an expert knows how to repair a broken product? When the failure affects the mechanical part, lost data recovery software is of no use. It can then be tempting to open up the casing yourself to find a way to solve the problem. But that would be a big mistake! This could in fact cause a much more serious drive failure that could make you lose all of your files. It is therefore best to leave mechanical failures to a specialist: only they know how to solve the problem.
So how does data recovery by a professional work? First, they will repair the broken component (motor, read head, etc.). They will then move on to the recovery phase. Note that the data found is always saved onto another storage device, as the original drive cannot be reused afterwards.
These operations take place in a laboratory, more specifically in a cleanroom. These sterile spaces prevent any contact with dust or other contaminants. Professionals handle each component with great care. To do this, they use specific tools and follow precise techniques. A fingerprint on a platter or a speck of dust could indeed jeopardize their entire work.
Irreversible damage to a broken drive
Be aware: it is not always possible to recover data from a broken storage device. Some failures indeed have no solution. This is particularly the case when the platters are affected. These are drives that operate using electromagnetism. The read heads hover over the platters (without touching them) in order to read or write information. It only takes one shock for a read head to come into contact with the platter. The platter is then damaged and recovering the data becomes an impossible task.
Dust is also a risk factor for hard drives. Since the surface of the platters is extremely sensitive, it is important to protect it from the smallest particle. Poor air circulation can cause scratches, caused by the read heads crashing down (head crash). Part of the platters then becomes unreadable, which prevents, in the worst case, any file recovery.
Conclusion
You now know how to recover your files from a broken storage device. Depending on the type of failure, you can opt for file recovery software or a professional. The latter has much more powerful tools that will allow you to recover more data, especially if you have already partially recovered your files. So don’t hesitate to request a quote to recover your precious documents.