How To Recover Data From a Crashed External Hard Drive

"My external hard drive just stopped working, and I can't get to any of my files. These files have years of family photos and important files! Please help?"

Have a similar problem? Losing data suddenly because of a broken external hard drive can be really scary for anyone who uses these devices to store their stuff. Whether it's special memories, important work papers, or unique creative projects, the idea of losing everything can be really upsetting. But don't worry - there's still a chance to get your data back from a broken external hard drive.

In this detailed guide, we'll look at different ways to get files back from broken external hard drives, talk about the usual reasons why these drives get damaged, and give you step-by-step directions on how to fix a damaged external hard drive. We'll also give you useful advice to keep your important files safe and avoid losing data in the future.

Is it Possible to Recover Files From Crashed External Hard Drive?

The simple answer is yes, you can often get back files from external hard drives that have stopped working. How well this works depends on different things, like why the hard drive stopped working, how much damage it has, and the ways used to get the data back.

Even if the hard drive has serious physical damage, it can be harder to fix, but many times, data can be saved if the problem is with the way the files are stored, the way the hard drive is set up, or if it was accidentally erased.

You can try different methods, from using tools already on your computer to using special software made to get data back.

Common Causes of External Hard Drive Corruption

Before we dive into the recovery methods, it's essential to understand what might have caused your external hard drive to crash. Here's a table outlining some common causes of external hard drive corruption:

Understanding the cause can help you choose the most appropriate method to recover crashed external hard drive or restore data from corrupted hard drive.

How To Recover Files From Crashed External Hard Drive With Recoverit

When it comes to crashed external hard drive recovery, one of the most effective tools at your disposal is Recoverit. This powerful data recovery software is designed to help you recover files from crashed external hard drive with ease and efficiency.

Recoverit is a comprehensive solution developed by Wondershare, a leading software company known for its innovative and user-friendly products. It's specifically engineered to address various data loss scenarios, including how to recover data from a crashed external hard drive.

With its advanced algorithms and intuitive interface, Recoverit makes the process of recovering data from crashed hard drive accessible even to those with limited technical expertise.

Key Features of Recoverit:

• Various Recovery Situations: Recoverit can help you get back files from a broken external hard drive or fix data from a damaged hard drive. It works for many different data loss problems.
• High Success Rate: This software is really good at fixing broken external hard drives and getting your files back.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: Even if you're not good with computers, you can easily use Recoverit to find your lost files.
• Preview Before Recovery: You can look at the files before you get them back to make sure they are the right ones.
• Supports Many File Types: Recoverit can fix different kinds of files like papers, pictures, videos, and more.
• Deep Scan Option: If it's hard to find your lost files, you can use the deep scan feature to look more carefully.

Steps to Use Recoverit for Crashed External Hard Drive Recovery:

Step 1: Download Recoverit, and install it on your computer. Plug your crashed external hard drive into your computer. Launch Recoverit and select your external hard drive from the list of available devices. Click on "Start”.

Step 2: Recoverit will search for recoverable files.

Step 3: Preview the found files and select the ones you want to recover.

Step 4: Hit the “Recover” button. Choose a safe location on your computer (not the crashed drive) to save the recovered files.

By following these steps, you can effectively recover data from crashed external hard disk using Recoverit. Remember, the sooner you attempt recovery after the crash, the higher the chances of success.

Other Fixes to Recover Data From Crashed External Hard Disk

While Recoverit is an excellent tool for crashed external hard drive recovery, there are other methods you can try to recover files from crashed external hard drive. Here are some alternative fixes:

Fix 1: Run the CHKDSK Command

The CHKDSK (Check Disk) command is a built-in Windows utility that can help identify and fix certain types of file system errors. Here's how to use it to potentially recover data from crashed hard drive:

Step 1: Make sure the crashed external drive is connected to your PC. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type "chkdsk X: /f /r" (replace X with your drive letter) and press Enter.

Step 2: Wait for the process to complete. This may take several hours for large drives.

The CHKDSK command can sometimes restore access to your drive and help recover files from crashed external hard drive.

Fix 2: Update External Drive Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can sometimes cause external hard drives to malfunction. Updating the drivers might help restore data from corrupted hard drive:

Step 1: Open Device Manager (right-click on Start and select it). Expand "Disk drives" and find your external hard drive. Right-click on it and select "Update driver".

Step 2: Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software". If an update is found, follow the prompts to install it.

After updating, restart your computer and check if you can access your drive.

Fix 3: Format the External Drive

As a last resort, if you can't recover files from crashed external hard drive using other methods, you might need to format the drive. Note that this will erase all data on the drive, so only proceed if you've exhausted all other options:

Step 1: Open File Explorer and right-click on your external drive. Select "Format".

Step 2: Choose the file system (usually NTFS for Windows) and click "Start". Once formatting is complete, check if you can now access the drive.

After formatting, you may need to use data recovery software like Recoverit to recover data from crashed external hard disk, as formatting doesn't guarantee data recovery.

Tips to Protect the Important Files on Your External Hard Disk

Here are six essential tips to protect your important files and minimize the need for crashed external hard drive recovery:

• Regular Backups: Always keep multiple copies of your important data. Use the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies of your data, on two different types of storage media, with one copy stored off-site.
• Safe Ejection: Always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option before unplugging your external hard drive. This ensures all data transfers are complete and reduces the risk of file system corruption.
• Handle with Care: Treat your external hard drive gently. Avoid dropping it or exposing it to extreme temperatures, which can lead to physical damage and the need to recover data from crashed hard drive.
• Use Surge Protectors: Protect your external hard drive from power surges by using a quality surge protector. This can prevent electrical damage that might necessitate crashed external hard drive recovery.
• Regular Maintenance: Periodically run disk check utilities to identify and fix potential issues before they lead to a crash. This proactive approach can help you avoid having to recover files from crashed external hard drive.
• Update Firmware: Keep your external hard drive's firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve performance and fix known issues, potentially preventing situations where you need to restore data from corrupted hard drive.

Conclusion

So, now you know all about how to restore corrupted external hard drive. Experiencing a crashed external hard drive can be a stressful situation, but as we've seen, there are multiple ways to recover files from crashed external hard drive. Whether you choose to use specialized software like Recoverit, system tools like CHKDSK, or other methods, the key is to act quickly and carefully to maximize your chances of successful data recovery.

Remember, the best defense against data loss is a good offense. By implementing the protective measures we've discussed, you can significantly reduce the risk of needing to recover data from crashed external hard disk in the future. Regular backups, proper handling, and proactive maintenance can save you from the headache of crashed external hard drive recovery.