Hard drives are extremely useful computing tools. Portable, easy to use and reassuring, just like sd cards they let you back up your data with total peace of mind. But what happens once you’re faced with a failure? Your best ally, the guardian of your information, lets you down without warning and you don’t know how to react; here is everything you need to know about repairing an external hard drive.

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The causes

A hard drive is a valuable piece of computer equipment, but it is not infallible. Many reasons can cause it to become damaged or malfunction. The main problem is very often data loss, since these drives contain data that is important and necessary for their users. Before learning about the solutions to a failure, you need to know the possible causes. Here is a list of events that can cause your device to fail:

  • Sudden disconnection of the device or the connected PC
  • Virus infection
  • Presence of corrupted files on the drive
  • System error
  • Other causes (impacts, contact with water, contact with
    heat, etc.)

In order to reduce the chances of damaging your device, it is recommended that you take certain precautions. Make sure your entire setup is up to date, whether that’s drivers, the operating system, or your various peripherals. Also take care to protect your PC with software and antivirus programs. Finally, regularly save your data to different devices; don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Of course, it goes without saying that you should avoid exposing your drive to impacts, water, heat, etc.

The solutions

Despite taking such precautions, your companion is giving you trouble. Since computing is an infinitely complex technology, it’s possible that your device can be repaired. In the scenario where your device is not in pieces and appears to be in good condition, there are solutions you can try to repair it. We encourage you to use data recovery software to recover your data beforehand.

Formatting

The first method involves repairing your hard drive by performing a simple format. This will result in erasing the data present and therefore the permanent loss of the lost data, but your tool will ultimately be restored and back in good working order.

  • Connect the faulty hard drive to a PC
  • Find its location among your devices in File Explorer, right-click
    on it and select “Format”
  • Choose the new settings that suit you (FAT or NTFS)
  • And complete the process

The second method for formatting your storage device involves using partition management software. This type of software comes into play if your drive becomes RAW; it will then act on the various partitions present on the drive to repair them or correct errors on them. How you use it will depend on the software you choose, but the vast majority are easy to get to grips with. You’ll easily find tutorials online to help you along the way. There are quite a few of them; here is a non-exhaustive list featuring some of the best on the market:

  • The Windows operating system’s disk management software
  • AOMEI Partition Assistant
  • EaseUS Partition Master
  • MiniTool Partition Master
  • DiskGenius

Without formatting

You have the option of troubleshooting your device without formatting the drive. Some partition management software will offer you the option to check and repair the damaged system. The outcome of this method is not guaranteed, as it will depend on the type of damage your external drive has suffered. However, we recommend trying your luck before running any format. This simple solution will save you from having to resort to complex maneuvers that would change your device’s settings and its file system. Following this, it will be necessary to erase the data after the repair.


The other method without formatting involves working on the external hard drive by running CMD. You can act directly on your device from the Windows command prompt; here’s how:

  • Click the Start button, then This PC
  • Right-click on the drive to run a check
  • Then select Properties and go to the Tools tab
  • Click Check, then start the process


Or

  • Press Win + R, type cmd in the search bar, then press the
    Enter key
  • Via Run from the Start menu
  • Type chkdsk at the command prompt, then confirm


Another possible solution is to act directly on the partitions via Cmd; this solution will let you erase the bad sectors, but the data on your device will then be lost. Here’s how to do it:

  • Press Win + R, type cmd then press Enter, or click
    on Run from the Start menu
  • Once the Cmd command prompt is open, type diskpart, then press
    Enter
  • Type list disk, then press Enter
  • Select disk 0, then press Enter
  • Type clean, then press Enter
  • Type create partition primary, then confirm
  • Exit and confirm with the Enter key to complete the process

You now know all the solutions for repairing a damaged external hard drive. Computing offers a wide range of possibilities, but some solutions won’t guarantee file recovery. It’s also possible that none of these maneuvers will succeed in repairing your device. Once you’re out of solutions, if you don’t know how to proceed but still want to repair the drive or extract the data from it, call in a professional. Other professional solutions are still available.