Whether it happens at home or at work, a hard drive crash is never a fun computer problem to have. If you don’t have your files backed up, it can be a real nightmare when your computer gives you the blue or black screen of death.
So, what causes this issue? Are there any things we can do to prevent a hard drive crash? Let’s dive in.
Common Reasons your Hard Drive Crashes
Your hard drive is your computer’s main storage system. It’s where your operating system files are, software files and personal files. Essentially, your hard drive holds everything that makes your computer useful.
These are some of the common reasons why it crashes:
- Overheating – Personal computers, both laptops and desktops, have an internal fan that runs to cool the machine when it’s overworked. If the fan is not functioning properly due to dust or mechanical failure, your computer’s internal components can overheat. The other cause could be lack of ventilation. Make sure nothing is blocking the vents.
- Mechanical failure – Your hard drive, like anything else mechanical, can wear down and fail over time. This can be common with office computers, as they are typically running for the entire working day for at least five days a week. It’s important to shut your computer down properly each evening before you go home to ensure it gets a break before being rebooted in the morning.
- Virus – If you accidentally download a virus from the internet or malware, this could spell trouble for your hard drive. Some computer viruses are designed to infiltrate your hard drive and corrupt your files. Sometimes the hard drive itself remains okay, but all the files are erased.
- Operator error – When we say operator error, we mean human user error. Sometimes we install things incorrectly or shut down the machine incorrectly and cause damage or issues. The best way to prevent this is to always follow instructions. If not, you should always enlist the help of an experienced IT professional.
If you’re having hard drive issues at work or at home, contact TwinBytes right away. We can identify the issue and do our best to recover your files. On your end, you should always back up important files, use anti-virus programs and keep your machine in good working order.