Blog Layout

What to do when your hard drive stops working

Gary O • January 27, 2023

Nobody wants to experience the frustration of a hard drive failure. It is a situation that can be catastrophic for any computer user, no matter how tech-savvy they are. You can lose access to all your important documents, photos, and other data. What is worse, if the hard drive is damaged beyond repair, you may never recover that data. If you are searching for hard drive repairs in Essex, we can help. There are a few steps you can take to try and recover your data and get your hard drive working again.

1. Determine the cause

First, try to determine what is causing the issue. If the hard drive is spinning but not being detected by your computer, the issue could be with the cable or the motherboard. In this case, you might need to replace the cable or the motherboard to get the drive working again.

2. Check the hard drive

The next step would be to check whether the hard drive is actually at fault. If your computer is not turning on or is having other problems, the issue may not be with the hard drive. Check to make sure all of the cables are connected properly and that the power supply is working. If everything appears to be in order, then the hard drive may be the cause of the problem. Once you have determined that the issue is with the hard drive, the next step is to test it. You can do this using a tool like Disk Utility on a Mac or a program like Check Disk on a PC. This will help you determine whether or not the hard drive is physically damaged, or if there is a logical issue.


If the hard drive is not spinning at all, it could be a sign of a more serious issue. The drive’s PCB (Printed Circuit Board) may have failed, in which case you’ll need to get it replaced. It might also be that the drive’s platters have become damaged, in which case you’ll need to get professional help to recover your data. If you are confident in your ability to diagnose and repair the issue yourself, you can try to repair the hard drive. However, this can be a tricky process, and you may end up making things worse. If you are uncertain about your ability to repair the drive, it is best to leave it to the experts.

3. Recover your data

Once you’ve determined the cause of the issue, you can start the process of recovering your data. If the drive is still spinning, you can try to connect it to a different computer and use data recovery software to try and recover the data. If the drive is not spinning, you can send it to a professional data recovery service in London. They will be able to determine the cause of the issue and use specialised tools to recover the data. 


When your hard drive stops working, it can be a scary and frustrating experience. But with the right steps, you can get your data back and get your hard drive working again. If you are unable to diagnose or fix the hard drive issue yourself, then it is time to contact a professional. Our qualified technicians can help you determine the cause of the problem and provide a solution. 

Get in touch today for more information!

Man playing a game on a laptop with a damaged battery
By Gary O January 16, 2025
Learn if replacement laptop batteries are as good as the originals. Expert advice from IT experts for when to replace your battery and how to extend your laptop's life.
Troubleshooting Booting Problems – text over a laptop image with a blue-green gradient background
By Gary O December 16, 2024
Is your computer not turning on? Follow our step-by-step troubleshooting guide to fix issues like power failures, hardware malfunctions, and blank screens.
Guide to Diagnosing Faulty Motherboard Symptoms – text over a blue-green motherboard background
By Gary O November 12, 2024
Learn how to identify faulty motherboard symptoms and prevent damage. Discover expert tips on diagnosing and repairing your motherboard at PCReFix in Essex.
More posts
Share by: