Types Of Hard Drive Failure

When we discuss data recovery in this report, we will primarily focus on issues surrounding hard drive failures; since these types of failures are most common.  There are really two primary forms of failure in a hard drive, logical and physical.  Logical failures are usually a result of file-system corruption.  This can occur due to a virus, accidental deletion of key files or registry components, and in some cases even electro-static discharge.  In most cases where a logical failure has occurred, the drive is still recognized by the system BIOS, but it will not boot.  In most cases, your data should still be intact on the drive, even though it may appear to be inaccessible. 

If the system BIOS does not detect the presence of the hard drive, then chances are a physical failure has occurred.  Physical failures can result from a wide variety of causes.  There are really two sub-categories for physical hard drive failures; mechanical and electronic.  Mechanical failures usually result from a failure of the spindle motor.  Spindle motor failure can result from excessive heat due to a bearing failure.  The increased heat resulting from the bearing failure will expand the drive shaft and therefore seize the spindle motor.  Suddenly, your drive will become inoperative.  Occasionally, you will get a warning that something bad is about to happen.  You may hear a loud whining, a grinding noise, even high-pitched screeches.  If anything like this starts to occur, BACK UP YOUR DATA IMMEDIATELY. >>Continue To Page 3 - Data Recovery Report