How to Recover data from a Corrupted Hard Drive on Windows

2025-04-14 Amanda J. Brook Senior Product Manager

Summary

The article discusses how to address and repair a corrupted hard drive on Windows, which can result in significant data loss. It highlights the symptoms of hard drive corruption, such as disappearing files, boot errors, and a slow computer. The article emphasizes the importance of diagnosing these issues accurately to recover lost files using data recovery software, as long as they haven't been overwritten. Additionally, it outlines methods to recover data and steps to repair the corrupted hard drive.

Table of contents

Common Symptoms of Hard Drive Corruption

How to Recover Data From a Corrupted Hard Drive

Use a Professional Data Recovery Service

How to Fix a Corrupted Hard Drive

• Method 1: Run CHKDSK
• Method 2: Run Antivirus Program
• Method 3: Format the Drive
• Method 4: Update the Drivers
• Method 5: Check Windows Using SFC & DISM
• Method 6: Repair Using Third Party Software

Conclusion

When your hard drive on Windows becomes corrupted, it can lead to significant data loss. Files might become inaccessible, fail to open, or disappear entirely from File Explorer. Fortunately, with the help of data recovery software, you can restore your lost files, provided they haven’t been overwritten . This article will explore the common causes of hard drive corruption, methods to recover your data, and steps to fix your corrupted hard drive.

Common Symptoms of Hard Drive Corruption

To effectively recover files from a corrupted hard drive, it’s crucial to diagnose the problem accurately. Here are some common signs of a corrupted hard drive:

- Disappearing Files and Folders: Files may randomly disappear and reappear, indicating potential corruption.

- Boot Errors: You might encounter errors like “hard drive not found” during boot, signaling a failing drive.

- Slow Computer: A corrupted drive can slow down your computer, especially when accessing large files.

- S.M.A.R.T. Monitoring Warnings: Modern drives use S.M.A.R.T. to detect errors and will display warnings if issues are found.

- Drive Is Inaccessible: This can occur due to lack of permissions, encryption, or corruption.

- Drive Asks for Formatting: Errors may prompt a format request due to a corrupted file system or bad sectors.

- Blue Screen of Death (BSOD): Corruption can prevent the OS from accessing necessary files, leading to a BSOD.

How to Recover Data From a Corrupted Hard Drive

You can perform a DIY data recovery using professional software like Renee Undeleter . Renee Undeleter is a comprehensive data recovery software designed to assist in retrieving files lost due to accidental deletion , recycle bin emptying , disk formatting , and more. It includes four essential modules: Fast Partition Scan , Whole Partition Scan , Whole Disk Scan , and Image Creation . The software supports all major Windows file systems and offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for regular users to achieve professional results.

Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery Software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin , SD card , external disk , etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

▽ Free Trial (Win) ▽ Free Trial (Mac)

users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Restoring data with Renee Undeleter is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download, install, and run Renee Undeleter. Select the Whole Disk Scan option on the main interface.

Note: Do not install on the disk that needs data restoration to avoid overwriting.

Step 2: Select the hard disk device to be scanned and click Next . Choose default setting on the advanced setting interface.

Step 3: The software will scan the hard drive and prompt you to select the partition to scan.

After the scan, preview and recover files by highlighting them and clicking the Recover button.

Step 4: Click Browse to select another disk to save the recovered files, then click Restore to start the recovery process.

Use a Professional Data Recovery Service

For physically damaged drives or severe data corruption, contact a professional data recovery service. Here’s what to expect:

1. Initiate a work order on the service’s website or through its helpline.

2. Securely pack and ship the corrupted hard drive.

3. Receive a free evaluation and quote after analysis.

4. Upon approval, the service will recover your data and return it.

How to Fix a Corrupted Hard Drive

Many logical errors that lead to a corrupted hard drive can be fixed by performing a checklist of simple tasks. These methods will allow you to easily recover a corrupted hard drive.

Method 1: Run CHKDSK

Windows has an in-built utility that checks for errors and resolves them.

1. Type cmd in Windows search and Right-click on Command Prompt > Run as administrator.

2. Type chkdsk C: /x /r (replace “C:” with the target partition).

3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Method 2: Run Antivirus Program

Viruses can cause data loss and corruption. Run a full scan using your antivirus program or Windows Defender.

1. Click on the Windows Security icon.

2. Select Virus & Threat Protection .

3. Choose Full scan and click Scan now .

Method 3: Format the Drive

Formatting renews the file system and cleans the drive. Recover lost data using data recovery software afterward.

1. Open Windows Explorer.

2. Right-click the target partition and select Format .

3. Click Start without changing default options.

Note: Leave the Quick Format option checked for easier data recovery.

Method 4: Update the Drivers

Updating drivers can aid in recovering crashed hard drives.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type devmgmt.msc , and press Enter.

2. In Disk Drives, right-click the HDD and select Update driver .

Method 5: Check Windows Using SFC & DISM

Run SFC and DISM commands to resolve corrupted system files.

1. Run Command Prompt as administrator.

2. Execute the following commands:

dism /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth

dism /Online /Cleanup-image /CheckHealth

dism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

dism /Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup

sfc /scannow

Method 6: Repair Using Third Party Software

Consider using third-party repair software like Victoria 911 for an easier process.

1. Download Victoria 911 and extract the ZIP file.

2. Launch Victoria and go to Test & Repair, then click Scan to check and correct errors.

Conclusion

Corrupted hard drives can lead to data loss and affect PC performance. For effective data recovery, use professional software like Renee Undeleter and act quickly to prevent data overwriting . Address the root cause of the corruption with the methods outlined to restore your hard drive’s functionality.

Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery Software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin , SD card , external disk , etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

▽ Free Trial (Win) ▽ Free Trial (Mac)

3052 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

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