Corrupted HDD: Main Causes and How to Fix it

We often look for obvious signs of HDD failure like unusual noises or repeated crashes. 

However, a corrupted HDD occurs unexpectedly and gradually evolves into drive failure. 

Hard drive data corruption occurs when a system cannot finish writing data to a file or when segments of the file become inaccessible. 

It is a common cause of data loss, as corrupted files are often unusable.

And a neglected corrupted HDD can lead to worse problems. It may cause a program to malfunction, eventually prompting a Blue Screen of Death.

In order to understand how a HDD becomes corrupted, it is important to understand how data is stored in the first place. Then, let’s go over the best course of action in case of a corrupted HDD.

How HDD Becomes Corrupted

Hard drives are typically split into two sections: the upper half contains all read/write elements used for accessing and modifying stored information; while the lower section contains an identical copy of the information accessed in the upper area. 

As long as power is available, both sections remain synchronized by means of very precise atomic clocks built into every hard drive.

If one half should fail to complete an operation then all modifications are re-applied to both halves before they are considered written. 

The end result is that only files are written to storage media whereas directories (also known as folders) are actually stored within the firmware of the hard drive. 

If for some reason, this process becomes corrupted or interrupted then it will result in a partial file being written to storage media.

Corrupted HDD Symptoms

If data corruption occurs during the writing process of any given sector, subsequent reads will return either gibberish or zeroes depending on what was last written to that location. 

Most modern drives detect these errors before they reach their final resting place and immediately remap them to spare sectors where the risk of data loss is reduced due to redundant information residing there already. 

However, once problems arise with one sector of an area reserved for managing bad blocks then it can be quite common for all of its adjacent sectors to become corrupted too. Especially if they contain important information such as directory information and the like.

If a single sector cannot be written to successfully, no subsequent data can ever be rendered there, possibly affecting all files stored in that area of the corrupted HDD. 

Fitting with this theory, most operating systems will not allow an administrator to overwrite or remove such sectors, instead of reporting them as ‘unavailable’. 

How to Fix a Corrupted HDD

One simple way of overcoming damaged storage media is for an end-user to copy their entire hard drive into a new medium. 

Then, attempt to fix any problems by correcting errors on the original corrupted HDD before writing it back out again. 

However, this approach will also require some form of backup software in order to ensure lost data is not accidentally overwritten during the process which could otherwise lead to further corruption.

It is possible to run disk scanning programs that will check for physical damage. But these are not recommended due to the risk of overwriting sectors that may contain other important data. 

Therefore, it should always be considered that if your system cannot find the right address then the read/write element or controller responsible for managing that sector has probably already failed. And all subsequent reads will yield zeroes instead of files. 

As such, using disk checking utilities without immediate backup systems in place can result in permanent loss of any information located beyond defective areas on storage media. 

That’s why they are generally avoided by most professionals unless they have nothing more critical than an MP3 collection to lose.

How to Prevent HDD Corruption

The best way to avoid having damaged storage media in a corrupted HDD is to have an immediate backup system in place. 

By creating regular backups of important information, it becomes possible to quickly recover the vast majority of lost data. Even if it has sustained permanent damage due to file corruption or other problems with the drive itself. 

This approach does require some form of additional hardware such as an external hard drive. 

However, depending on what data needs protecting; can be both faster and more practical than attempting a corrupted HDD recovery using software alone. Since a corrupted hdd repair tool relies upon disk scanning tools, it can overwrite sectors containing critical information.

If you suspect of your HDD becoming corrupted, the best advised course of action is to power off your device. Forcing your corrupted HDD to overcome a bad sector might spread further damage.

SalvageData experts has over 18 years of hard drive data recovery experience so you don’t take any chances. Request a free evaluation anytime for peace of mind!