How to Recover Data from Corrupted External Hard Disk

There are few things more nerve-wracking than when your external hard disk suddenly becomes corrupted, and you lose access to your important files. Whether it’s precious family photos, critical work documents, or projects that you’ve spent weeks on, data loss can be devastating. Fortunately, in many cases, it is possible to recover data from a corrupted external hard disk. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to recover data from corrupted external hard disk using various methods, from built-in tools to third-party software, and give you tips on preventing future data loss.

1. Check for Physical Issues

Before diving into the software-based recovery options, it’s essential to make sure the issue isn’t caused by a physical fault. External hard disks can experience physical damage that can make them unreadable, and addressing these problems early on may save your data.

Things to check:

• USB Cable/Port Issues: Sometimes the problem is as simple as a faulty USB cable or a loose connection. Try using a different USB cable or plugging the external hard disk into a different port.
• Power Supply: For external hard drives that require an external power supply, make sure the power cable is functioning properly.
• Sounds of Physical Damage: If you hear strange noises like clicking or beeping coming from the external hard disk, it may be experiencing mechanical failure. In this case, it’s best to stop using the drive immediately and consult a professional data recovery service.

If none of these issues seem to be the cause, it’s time to move on to software-based recovery methods.

2. Try Using Windows Built-in Tools

If you’re using a Windows PC and your external hard disk is showing signs of corruption but still appears in File Explorer, there are a few built-in tools you can use to try and repair the drive before considering third-party software.

How to Recover Data from Corrupted External Hard Disk Using Windows Tools:

Run CHKDSK (Check Disk):

• Step 1: Open Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the Start menu and selecting Run as administrator.
• Step 2: Type the following command (replace X: with the letter of your external hard disk):

bash

Copy

chkdsk X: /f

• Step 3: Press Enter. This will initiate a scan of the drive, and Windows will attempt to fix any file system errors or bad sectors. If it finds any errors, it will attempt to repair them.

Note: Running CHKDSK can sometimes help recover access to corrupted drives and repair file system errors, but it is not always successful in retrieving lost or inaccessible files.

3. Use Data Recovery Software

If the built-in tools aren’t sufficient or if the drive is not accessible through File Explorer, using data recovery software is often the next step. These programs are designed to scan your corrupted external hard disk for recoverable files and help restore them.

Some popular data recovery software options include:

• Recuva (Free and paid versions)
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
• Disk Drill
• Wondershare Recoverit

Steps to Recover Data from Corrupted External Hard Disk Using Recovery Software:

• Step 1: Download and install a reputable data recovery tool on your computer.
• Step 2: Connect your corrupted external hard disk to your computer.
• Step 3: Launch the data recovery software and select the external hard disk as the location to scan.
• Step 4: Run a deep scan or quick scan. The deep scan will take longer but is more thorough, potentially recovering files that are deeply hidden or lost.
• Step 5: Preview the files that can be recovered. Select the files you need and click Recover.
• Step 6: Choose a new location (preferably another drive) to save the recovered files. Never save the files back to the corrupted external hard disk, as this could overwrite data and make recovery more difficult.

Most recovery software can retrieve a wide variety of file types, including photos, videos, documents, and more.

4. Try Using Linux to Recover Data

If the external hard disk is not being recognized by your Windows system, another option is to try using Linux to recover your data. Linux is known for its ability to mount and read hard drives that Windows sometimes cannot. You can use a Linux live CD/USB to attempt to recover data.

Steps to Recover Data from Corrupted External Hard Disk Using Linux:

• Step 1: Download a Linux distribution (such as Ubuntu) and create a bootable USB drive or DVD.
• Step 2: Boot your computer from the USB drive or DVD containing Linux.
• Step 3: Once in Linux, try connecting your corrupted external hard disk to the computer.
• Step 4: Open File Explorer and check if the drive is visible. If it is, try to copy the data to another drive.
• Step 5: If the disk is not accessible, you can also use terminal commands like TestDisk to scan and recover lost partitions.

Using Linux can sometimes bypass certain corruption issues that Windows may be unable to resolve, making it a useful alternative.

5. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service

If your corrupted external hard disk is still not working after trying the previous steps, or if it shows signs of physical damage, your best option may be to contact a professional data recovery service. These services specialize in recovering data from damaged or corrupted drives, using advanced techniques and equipment.

When to Consider Professional Data Recovery:

• If your external hard disk has physical damage (e.g., it’s making strange noises or isn’t spinning).
• If you’ve tried software recovery methods with no success.
• If the data on the drive is mission-critical and irreplaceable.

Keep in mind that professional data recovery services can be expensive, but they offer the best chances of recovering data from a severely corrupted or physically damaged external hard disk.

6. Prevent Future Data Loss

Once you’ve successfully recovered your data, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself from future data loss. Regularly back up your files and follow best practices to ensure your data stays safe.

Tips for Preventing Data Loss:

• Use Backup Solutions: Invest in cloud storage services (such as Google Drive or Dropbox) or regularly back up your external hard disk to another external drive.
• Safely Eject Devices: Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option before disconnecting your external hard drive to prevent corruption.
• Avoid Physical Damage: Be careful when handling your external hard disk to avoid dropping or damaging it.
• Run Disk Maintenance Regularly: Use tools like CHKDSK to perform periodic checks on your drive to detect and fix minor issues before they lead to significant corruption.

Conclusion

Knowing how to recover data from a corrupted external hard disk is essential for anyone who relies on external storage for important files. Whether you’re using Windows built-in tools, data recovery software, or even Linux, there are many methods available to help retrieve lost data. However, in cases of severe physical damage, professional data recovery services offer the best chance of success. Remember to take proactive steps to protect your data by regularly backing it up and following good storage practices to prevent future issues. With the right tools and knowledge, you can ensure that your data stays safe, even in the event of a hard drive failure.