Is My External Hard Drive Failing? What Signs Should I Look Out For?

With so many uses for external hard drives (HDDs), including data storage, file sharing, and gaming, it’s no wonder so many of us rely on these devices in our daily lives. This regular and widespread use is also why it can spell trouble when they fail. Professionals advise that you can expect your external HDD to last three to five years, while some solid-state drive (SSD) models can last a decade or more.

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However, whether it’s due to manufacturer issues, mishandling, or just plain wear and tear, all external hard drives will eventually fail. That’s why it’s so important to look out for the signs of failure so you can get your hard drive fixed and avoid losing something important. Or at least you’ll be able to secure your data and transfer it to another storage format before your device dies.

There are three common types of failures you might experience with your external hard drive: software, hardware, and connection. So, if you suspect your device may be at risk, here are some signs to look out for, what they might mean, and how you can fix or prevent them.

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One of the most obvious signs that your external hard drive is failing is that you’ve connected it, but it doesn’t show up on your computer. On the other hand, it’s possible that you can still connect your external hard drive, but you’re having trouble reading or writing files. This could be in the form of files freezing, crashing, disappearing, or getting corrupted during transfer.

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In some cases, an external hard drive may appear to be working normally, but it may be accompanied by strange sounds. Depending on the model of external hard drive, you can usually expect a slight humming sound, especially when transferring large files. However, experts warn that unusual sounds such as grinding, clicking, crackling, or squeaking can signal a variety of internal problems.

You may also notice that your external hard drive is a little too hot. Like many types of electronic devices, external hard drives require a certain temperature range to operate safely. This will vary by manufacturer and model, but if it’s too hot to handle, that’s definitely a red flag.

Unfortunately, hard drive mechanical failure can occur without warning, so it’s best to avoid purchasing external hard drives from unknown manufacturers or third-party vendors who don’t offer a warranty or support. It’s also possible to exacerbate the effects of normal hard drive degradation through exposure to dirt, dust, and moisture.

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Exposing your external hard drive to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can also lead to unexpected temporary or permanent damage to its internal components. Assuming your hard drive is already at 104 degrees Fahrenheit (or 40 degrees Celsius), Data Center Dynamics warns that the risk of failure increases by 30% for every additional 41 degrees Fahrenheit (or 5 degrees Celsius) in operating temperature. High operating temperatures can be caused by several factors, such as heavy use and airflow restrictions due to particulate buildup or fan cleanliness.

While some HDD failures can be caused by improper ejection, Norton warns that hard drive corruption issues can also be caused by software bugs, viruses, or malware that can be transferred from infected devices. Additionally, if you hear strange sounds coming from your external HDD, it could be due to power or other mechanical issues.

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If your external hard drive is approaching its expected useful life or is showing some signs of possible failure, the first thing you should do is to back up your data to an alternative storage device. Then you can move on to determining whether the problem is something you can fix yourself or requires professional intervention. Manufacturers usually offer diagnostic tools that you can use to identify problems with your external hard drive, such as SeaTools or Western Digital Dashboard. However, some of these tools may only be available on limited operating systems.

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Mac users can perform first aid on an external hard drive using the native Disk Utility. Once you have connected your external hard drive, follow these steps:

1. On your Mac, launch the Disk Utility application.
2. In the left sidebar, under the External section, find the name of your external hard drive.
3. At the top of the screen, click First Aid.
4. In the window that appears, click Run.

For some issues, especially those you suspect may be caused by internal hardware problems, it’s best to send your hard drive in for a professional evaluation. If your external hard drive is still under warranty, the manufacturer may be able to repair it for free or send you a replacement. Just make sure you choose a trusted repair center that will do its utmost to keep your data safe.

Luckily, when it comes to making sure you’re getting value for your money with your external hard drive, there are a few precautions you can take to keep it running for as long as possible. One of the easiest things you can do is simply make sure you store it properly to prevent damage from unexpected knocks. A good external hard drive enclosure can also act as a layer of protection against liquids, dirt, and dust.

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To avoid malware, you should also stop connecting your external hard drive to unknown devices, including other people’s computers or print shops. Instead, simply email files or copy them to a thumb drive. If you suspect that your external hard drive or computer may already be infected with malware, here are some signs to look out for, as well as some of the most popular antivirus programs you may want to consider downloading to prevent any future problems.

Of course, no matter what preventative measures you take, accidents can happen, so it’s always recommended to back up your important files on multiple devices and in multiple locations to limit your overall risk.