Blog Layout

Data Recovery Steps: What To Do If Your Hard Drive Fails

Matt Agnini • October 12, 2021
Brave: Proud to support a faster, safer web photo


For many individual users and even companies, this is a necessary service that can help in a wide array of situations, from physical and mechanical damage of your storage device to user deletion and error. you've encountered any of the problems above, get in touch with a certified data recovery provider to get your digital files in order once again.

How Can I Recover My Data? 

Whether you own a desktop or a laptop, every digital storage media and electronic device contains information. Unfortunately, that information can be rendered useless in the event of a logical or mechanical failure. In times like this, you'll need to go through a process called data recovery to retrieve inaccessible data. The kind of recovery process will depend on the type of media. 


For instance, if the failure is mechanical — such as physical, water, or fire damage — recovering files will need to be handled by a certified technician and a Cleanroom facility. But if the failure was from a logical cause, such as an operating system failure or user error and deletion, then a technician will need to use specialized software to recover the lost data. 

Steps You Should Take if Your Hard Drive Fails

There will come a time when the unexpected happens. When you think you've done everything right by saving your work, yet your laptop or computer fails to boot up or maybe you spilled liquids all over it. Here, we've compiled every step you need to know into an easy-to-understand guide should your hard drive stop working. 


  1. If your drive isn't working, unplug it immediately — this is especially true if you hear a clicking noise. Don't forget to disconnect the device from the power source and place it in a safe place. Take care that it doesn't get broken, shaken, or get too hot or too cold where you put it.

  2. Do not attempt to open the broken drive yourself. This can lead to your warranty becoming void and may even severely damage the components on your drive. In addition, you might accidentally make your files completely inaccessible or overwrite them. Once a file is overwritten, there is a high chance that you'll never be able to get the original. So while it may be tempting to try and retrieve data on your own, avoid tampering with your device. 

  3. Immediately contact a data recovery specialist like Advancify so they can perform an initial assessment and provide you with the next steps. Typically, data recovery will take hours if you use data recovery software, which will dig through the damaged hard drive to locate the needed files. 

    Other data recovery cases may need specialized facilities and various technicians to handle, particularly if huge amounts of data was lost. If the job is highly complicated, it might take days or even weeks to make sure that all the lost data will be accessible again.

  4. Look for packing materials to safely ship your drive, data components, and device to be repaired. A team of specialists can't recover the lost data unless they have the devices that hold all of your data.

Why Choose Advancify? 

Advancify's data recovery specialists have been successful in recovering data from media that other companies deemed unrecoverable. Our team has a proven track record for retrieving data from encrypted devices, water, and fire-damaged cases and media that has been logically damaged. 


We also respect our client's privacy and perform recovery jobs in-house when possible, or with trusted third-party partners. Furthermore, we use a secure environment, to give you the best chance of retrieving your files. We use our own tools and have performed services on every kind of device on the market. 


We understand how important your data is, and we're to make the recovery process as painless as possible.

Start my data recovery

Advancify News Network

A person is holding a red pin in front of a city.
By Matt Agnini February 5, 2025
Boost your local rankings! Learn how to optimize for "near me" searches with Local SEO strategies, Google My Business tips, and more.
A neon sign that says black Friday on a dark background
By Matt Agnini November 18, 2024
Prepare for Black Friday 2024 with these must-know tips for small businesses and nonprofits. Boost sales, attract donors, and optimize your digital strategy!
A person is holding a cell phone with a scam Facebook message on it.
By Matt Agnini October 14, 2024
Learn how to avoid Facebook phishing scams and unnecessary voice search services targeting small businesses with these practical tips. Stay safe online!
Photo of the Indian River with dark clouds on a stormy day.
By Matt Agnini September 26, 2024
Stay proactive and ensure your business is storm-ready with Advancify's expert solutions. Contact us now to secure your consultation and protect your technology infrastructure.
A simulated blue screen error message saying
By Matt Agnini July 23, 2024
Discover how a faulty CrowdStrike update caused global IT chaos, affecting airlines, hospitals, and emergency services. Learn about the impact and response.
Photo of a person is holding a cell phone with a local search map on it.
By Matt Agnini April 30, 2024
Boost your local business with these 5 essential SEO tips. Learn to optimize your Google Business Profile, use local keywords, encourage reviews, and more. Free consultation offer!
Image of a lock symbolizing email security by deploying a DMARC policy
By Matt Agnini January 27, 2024
Learn about DMARC to protect your emails from spoofing with Advancify's expert help. Advance your business or nonprofit's email security today.
Photo of a model shopping cart on a desk
By Matt Agnini July 12, 2022
Are you a small business owner looking to increase reach and maximize profit and brand recognition? If you struggle to bring in new customers and engage existing ones, e-commerce may be your ticket to success.
Photo of a man using a smartphone
By Matt Agnini March 15, 2022
Having a solid digital marketing strategy is one of the pillars of a growing company. Yet, with more and more technologies disrupting the market, how do you choose which tool is a good investment for your marketing efforts in the coming years?
Photo of a virtual restaurant delivery bag
By Matt Agnini February 3, 2022
Just like other types of businesses, the restaurant industry had adapted to several trends in the past. Because of the ever-changing customer demands and the number of competitors entering the market, restaurants are constantly finding new ways to improve their businesses.
More Posts
Share by: