Data loss can be a real disaster, but fortunately the hard drive usually warns us with some signs before it "dies".
If you notice any of the following signs of impending disaster, be sure to back up any data you don't want to lose forever and prepare for the worst.
Usually it occurs with minimal or no warning and if you have not taken the necessary actions it is likely that you will lose important files, music, images, etc. However, sometimes there are clear warning signs and being able to recognize them can prove to be lifesaving and help you avoid an «Armageddon» of your data.
If your hard drive is old, it naturally is at greater risk. Old drives are electromechanical devices that store data on a rapidly rotating disk. Nevertheless, even the more modern devices (SSD) are not “immortal”, but such things happen less frequently.
How will you know that hard drive is about to "die":
- Frequent and puzzling error messages during the execution of routine operations and activities such as, for example, moving files.
- Folder and file names become scrambled and change names
- Files or folders disappear mysteriously
- Significant delay when trying to access folders and files
- The hard drive does not respond for a long time after you request to open a file or folder
- Distorted output from open files or printing
- The hard drive whines and makes a lot of noise
- Frequent crashes, especially during Windows startup
