Recovering data from an external hard drive: The main reasons for data loss

External hard drives have become indispensable tools for individuals and companies, providing a convenient and portable means of storing and transporting large amounts of data. However, the importance of external hard drive data recovery cannot be underestimated, as these devices are susceptible to various factors that can lead to data loss.

Data recovery refers to the process of recovering lost or inaccessible data from storage devices. In the context of external hard drives, the need for data recovery arises when crucial information is accidentally deleted, the disc becomes corrupted, the device suffers physical damage or has suffered a ransomware attack.

In cases of extensive damage or complex data loss scenarios, such as a ransomware attack, it is advisable to seek the expertise of professional data recovery services. These professionals have the skills and equipment to recover physically damaged hard drives or in situations where common solutions are inadequate.

Common Causes of Data Loss on External Hard Drives

Understanding the reasons behind data loss on external hard drives is crucial to implementing preventative measures. Despite technological advances that have improved the reliability of these devices, certain factors still pose risks to data integrity. The main ones are:

  • Human Error: external hard drive are common human errors that can lead to data loss. Users should take care to minimise these risks.
  • Physical Damage: External hard drives are susceptible to physical damage, such as drops, impacts or exposure to extreme temperatures. Physical damage can result in damage to the disc’s internal components, making data recovery challenging.
  • File System Corruption: File system corruption on an external hard drive can make data inaccessible. This can occur due to sudden power outages, improper ejection or system crashes.
  • Malware and Viruses: External hard drives can be vulnerable to malware and viruses, especially when connected to multiple systems. Malicious software can corrupt or encrypt files, leading to data loss.
  • Hardware failure: Over time, the internal components of an external hard drive can wear out, resulting in hardware failure. This can lead to the loss of stored data and, in some cases, may require professional data recovery services.

External hard drive data recovery services

Digital Recovery offers exclusive services for recovering data from external hard drives. With over 25 years’ experience, we have developed the necessary expertise to deal with the most complex hard drive data loss scenarios.

For cases of mechanical failure of the hard drive, a Class 100 Clean Room is extremely important, as the hard drive cannot be opened outside of a prepared room, as the particles contained in the air can significantly damage the magnetic platter of the hard drive, making data recovery impossible.

Our experts have the best tools available on the market for recovering data from external hard drives. We have a large number of satisfied customers all over Brazil and the world.

Get in touch with our experts and request a diagnosis of your device now.

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