While computers have come a long way, they’re still not perfect. In fact, some people blame them for everything from business problems to death.
But, there are many reasons that a computer can crash. One of the most common ones is hard drive failure.
Read on to learn more about the 5 most common signs of hard drive failure.
1. Peculiar Sounds
One of the most common symptoms of hard drive failure is odd sounds. If you’ve never heard a sound from your hard drive but do now, its time for a checkup.
Also, if it is making loud noises or occasional clicks, you should back up your data to an external hard disk.
Grinding sounds are also bad news. If this is the case, you should turn off your computer and take it to a professional straight away. By leaving it on, you’ll lower your chances of recovering valuable data.
2. Frequent Error Messages
Are odd error messages popping up on your screen? Do they appear at random times or when undertaking simple tasks?
If so, it could be one of the many signs of a failing hard drive. These messages can appear when doing simple things like moving files. It can also happen when renaming folders, for example.
Either way, if your computer is acting out of the ordinary, get professional help.
3. Problems With Folders and Files
A failing hard drive can also cause other unusual problems with your computer files. For example, it may take ages to open files and folders on your device.
You may also find that the files have different names than the ones you gave them. Or your hard drive has scrambled the names of your folders.
Many assume that these are signs of a virus but they can be due to hard disk failure.
Additionally, folders and files could disappear from your computer altogether. If you have your cybersecurity in order, then it’s time to assume that your hard drive is failing.
4. Computer Crashes on a Regular Basis
If your computer crashes for no obvious reason, your hard drive may be struggling to keep up. This is a common problem when booting up Windows but can happen with other operating systems as well.
5. Hard Disk Is Silent for Long Periods of Time
If you hear strange noises coming from your computer, that’s bad. But, the same goes for prolonged silence.
If you open a file and your hard drive stays silent and inactive, it could be unresponsive.
What to Do If Your Computer Is Showing Signs of Hard Drive Failure?
If your computer hard drive is on its last legs, the first thing you need to do is back up your data.
While you can do it at home, the process can take a while if you have a lot of folders. Not only this, if you’re not tech savvy, you may lose files along the way.
This company provides advanced data recovery from a variety of devices. They can help you recover data even after your device crashes.
Learn More Useful Hacks at Pal Drop
By knowing the signs of hard drive failure you can avoid a complete tech catastrophe. If you catch the problem early on, you can call on the professionals to help you.
If you’re looking for other helpful tips, keep tabs on our website. We share hacks and tips on everything from lifestyle to business.