Learn What to do if the “Unknown Hard Error” Message Appear

Theo Lucia

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Errors pretty revolve around our life. From school homework to work consignment, errors always find a way to run into you; isn't that the truth? After the error pops up, a typical human mind struggles to find solutions to get rid of it.

The “Unknown Hard Error” message will be the crux of this article. This message is connected with the explorer.exe files that freeze the system, results in data loss, and turns the screen black. Let us first comprehend the causes of this error and then browse for its viable techniques. So, let us begin, shall we?

Part 1: Causes of “Unknown Hard Error” Message Appearing

You might have knowledge of “Cause and Effect” phenomena. Every problem and symptom that we see is a result of a cause playing in the background. The “Unknown Hard Error” occurs due to multiple reasons. Luckily, this section covers the major root causes of why and when this error pops up. So, without delaying this any further, let us get right into it!

Corrupted System Files

The first cause of occurrence of “Unknown Hard Error” is the corrupted system files. The corrupted or missing files occur when the system is shut down forcefully or if the file is not saved correctly.

Corrupted Registry Keys

The next major cause of this error is associated with the corrupted registry entries. The damaged operating system brings this problem to the surface. Moreover, if you have not installed the application correctly in your system, the error pops up.

Virus or Malware Attack

Another happening root cause of "Unknown Hard Error" is linked with any virus or malware attack on your system. The virus invades your system if you have tapped on a link from the internet or connected a faulty USB cable to the computer.

Damaged Hard Disk

“Unknown Hard Error” message appears due to the damaged hard drive. The hard drive is often damaged due to physical shock, crash, or being dropped. Circuit board failures often result in failed hard drives as well.

Defective Device Drivers

The last cause of the lot leading to this deadly error spins around defective device drivers. Your system might have drivers which are faulty and useless. These lead to the “Unknown Hard Error” in your system.

Part 2: Workable Techniques to Solve “Unknown Hard Error” Message

Now that we have understood and comprehended the probable root causes of this error, it is time to provide you with the four most workable techniques of the lot to solve the "Unknown Hard Error" message appearance.

The solutions below are sure to help you in the long run. You can steer clear of this error by following every procedure carefully and keenly. Let us commence this!

Technique 1: Restarting the System with Necessary Services

The first method to get rid of this error spins around restarting your computer with the necessary services. Restarting any device as it undergoes an error is sure to prove helpful in the future. If you are not quite sure how this fix shall work, allow us to walk you through it.

1. For starters, launch the Run command. To do so, press the “Windows+ R” key. It will open a dialogue box.
2. Type away “msconfig” in the search bar of the Run command and tap “Ok.”

3. Now moving on, hit the “Services” tab and tick mark “Hide all Microsoft Services.” It will be located at the end of the menu bar.
4. Afterward, click on "Disable All." Tap on "Ok" again.

5. In the last step, the "System Configuration" asks if you want to restart it. Hit "Restart" from there.

Technique 2: Checking the Task Manager

When the disk utilization shoots up to 100%, the RAM is burdened, and this error shows up. The next viable solution to the rescue, let us have a look at the second method of the lot. If you really want to forget this error for good, checking the task manager is an effective way to it. The task manager often works like a charm in similar situations.

1. The first step is easy. Just use the keyboard and type CTRL+ALT+DEL simultaneously. After that, a list of menus appears.
2. Click on “Task Manager” from there. Now, the user is advised to check if the disk utilization is 100%. If it is affirmative, only killing it will not be an adequate step.

Therefore, you might want to uninstall the program or make an attempt at enhancing the RAM of the system.

Technique 3: Using CHKDSK Command

As explained in the causes section above, the damaged hard drive plays a key role in manifesting "Unknown Hard Error." Method 3 addresses the problem and offers an easy way to get rid of it. Using the CHKDSK command, the user can get rid of blue and dark screens in a second.

1. In the first step, launch the “Run” command. Type “cmd” in the search bar and hit “Ok.”
2. Now, in the window that pops up, the user is advised to type "CHKDSK H: /F /R." Press "Enter" afterward.

The check disk utility starts running tests to scan for errors and then fixes them.

Technique 4: Performing SFC Scan

Method 4 is related to the performance of the SFC scan as it has the capacity to limit bugs and errors. It also rectifies the corrupt system files and allows you to get rid of the "Unknown Hard Error" message in no time. If you do not know how to perform an SFC Scan, let us help you with it.

1. Launch the “Start” button from your Windows and tap on the “Search” box. Type away “Command Prompt” and hit “Enter.”
2. Now, the user is advised to right-click on the “Command Prompt” app and then select "Run as Administrator."

3. Moving on, type “sfc/scannow” in the space and press “Enter.” Wait until the scanning process is finished.

4. After the command is executed, it displays all the corrupted system files found after scanning. If there were none, the “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations” message appears on the screen.

Part 3: Operational Tips to Avoid the Error

This section shall reflect upon effective tips that will be helpful in avoiding this error. It will also allow the user to cut down the origin before it even comes onto the surface. So, let us have a look at tricks and tips, shall we?

• Ensure that your system has no corrupted or missing system files by saving the files correctly and preventing the forceful shutdown of the system.
• You should periodically check the physical status of hard drives in use and keep them in operational condition.
• Steer clear from any virus or malware by keeping effective antivirus software on your PC.
• Keep your operating system updated and operational to avoid corrupted registry entries.
• Use the CHKDSK command regularly to ensure active testing and scanning of the system for errors.

Conclusion

The article under study encompassed the major causes of occurrence of the "Unknown Hard Error" message appearance. It also covered some of the most viable methods to resolve the error. One can perform an SFC scan, check the task manager, restart the system, and run the CHKDSK command. Do not forget to have a look at tips to kill the error from appearing in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I stop my hard drive from continuously spinning up and down while I am using the computer or away from it?

Yes, you can stop this problem from occurring by first running a disk defragmenter on the drive. Secondly, if you do not have enough RAM on your computer, the system goes to the hard drive for memory which causes this error.

2. What should I do if my computer is displaying a disk boot failure insert system?

If your computer is displaying the disk boot failure insert system, you should first check if the computer is identifying the hard drive. You can also check the IDE or SATA cables if they are attached correctly and operating normally.

3. Can I reformat a hard drive? If yes, how?

Yes, you can reformat a hard drive by right-clicking on the disk and then picking the format. It might be FAT32 or NTFS. However, if you need to format the main hard drive, just boot to the Windows DVD. After the booting process is concluded, the user will be asked to define the location of installing Windows. After that, just format the disk and cancel the installation.