How to Repair a Hard Drive on a Desktop

A malfunctioning hard drive can be devastating, especially when important information is stored on a single computer. No one wants to lose family photos, work and school assignments, or years worth of data. When a hard drive issue arises, don’t panic. There are a multiple things that can be done to attempt to fix a computer's hard drive.

1. Copy the data from your hard drive immediately onto a CD, a separate external hard drive or another computer. This will ensure you do not lose important data. If copying the hard drive's data isn't possible on your current computer, hook your hard drive to a different computer, and try again to copy data. Data Recovery Specialists can also help retrieve information off a faulty hard drive.

2. Access the hard drive. You will need to open the frame of your computer to locate the hard drive. Most computers require use of a screwdriver to loosen screws before removing the computer's frame. 

3. Disconnect and reconnect power and data cables to check for a loose connection to the hard drive. Often times cables come loose and cause the hard drive to work improperly.

4. Physically examine your hard drive. Your hard drive should be connected in a straight, well-attached fashion.

5. Check screws, arms, and plates on hard drive to make sure they are in place and secure. If any part of the hard drive is loose or bent, attempt to fix it by tightening or gently straightening the hard drive with your hands. Do not force the hard drive to bend or move in any way it does not want to. Always use extreme caution when handling your hard drive.

6. Connect your hard drive to a different computer to determine if the hard drive is truly malfunctioning. To do this, remove your hard drive by carefully unscrewing and sliding it out of the computer. After it is removed, move the jumper located on the hard drive from its current position in "master" to "slave." Then, open the second computer's frame and attach the faulty hard drive to cable that the second computer's hard drive is on.

7. Clean your hard drive. You can achieve this by permanently deleting all files off your hard drive and using a wipe program to write over any files. Remember, this will erase all your hard drive's data if done properly. If you are not able to backup your hard drive on a different devise and you still want the information on your hard drive, skip this step.

8. Check your hard drive's manufacturer’s website or call their toll free number to see if they have options available to fix or replace a broken or damaged hard drive.

9. Take your hard drive to a computer repair shop to have it diagnosed and fixed.