Hard Drive Failure, Repair & Data Recovery

What Hard Drive Problem Are You Seeing?

The Computer Is Slow or Freezes When Opening Files

Slow access, long startup times, and repeated freezing can be early warning signs of storage trouble, although software and other hardware can cause similar symptoms. Start with How to Test a Hard Drive Before It Fails.

The Drive Is Clicking, Grinding, or Making New Noises

Unusual mechanical sounds can indicate a serious hardware problem. Avoid repeated restarts or unnecessary testing if important files are stored on the drive. Read 7 Signs Your Hard Drive Is Dying.

Windows Will Not Boot or the Drive Is Not Detected

Startup failure can involve the drive, Windows boot files, power, or other hardware. Use Windows PC Startup, Crash & Blue Screen Problems to separate a storage problem from a wider startup failure.

You Need Files From a Crashed Drive

If the priority is recovering documents, photos, business files, or other important data, avoid writing new data to the affected drive. Start with Data Recovery From a Crashed Hard Drive and Best Data Recovery Methods That Protect Files.

You Are Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace the Drive

If the drive is failing, replacement is often the long-term solution, but data protection should come first. See Replace Faulty Hard Drive: Easy DIY Guide and How to Replace Laptop Hard Drive With SSD.

You Want to Prevent the Next Data Loss

Once the computer is stable, a backup plan reduces the risk of losing files to another drive failure. See Best Backup Methods for Home Users or our Data Backup and Recovery Services.