Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem Error | Hard Disk Problem | 6 Ways to Fix “Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem” Error |
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Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem
If you’re getting the Windows detected a hard disk problem error, don’t worry; You might not need to get a new hard drive right now.
The somewhat cryptic Windows detected a hard disk problem error is very common among Windows users. Although the error does not specify what the problem is, the error window itself says that you should contact the manufacturer for possible repair or replacement.
While this may sound bad, it is not always a big problem, as software issues can also cause problems. Therefore, before you make up your mind to visit your manufacturer, you should always troubleshoot software problems first. We have compiled a list of fixes that you can try to fix software problems.
But First, Back UP Your Files
The process of troubleshooting storage devices can be risky. At any time, anything can go wrong, and your precious data can disappear without a trace. To avoid this risk, consider backing up all your files and documents.
You can back up your entire computer to an external storage device, subscribe to a backup service, or transfer your data to the cloud.
Unless you have a lot of data that requires premium cloud storage space, you won’t have to pay for cloud backup, so we recommend backing up your Windows computer to the cloud.
After the backup is created, you can start troubleshooting with peace of mind.
1-Way# Uninstall Recently Installed Apps and Programs
The presence of third-party applications and software may cause your computer to behave abnormally. This is more likely to happen when you download them from an unknown source.
Thus, before you proceed with operating system level troubleshooting, remove all recently installed apps and programs. You can start with the latest one, after which you started experiencing this error.
If putting those apps in the Recycle Bin doesn’t help and the error persists, then troubleshoot the problem completely.
2-Way# Run an SFC Scan
SFC Scan is a godsend feature that Windows offers to scan and fix corrupted OS files. Therefore, you should run the next scan to rule out corrupt files as the cause of this problem.
To run an SFC scan, follow the steps below:
- Type “cmd” in the Windows search bar.
- Right-click the Windows Command Prompt app and select Run as administrator.
- Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
- SFC Scan Complete in Windows Command Prompt
Once the scan is done, it will either inform you that it has identified and fix certain issues or ask you to do it yourself. Follow the on-screen scan instructions, and you should be good to go.
In the unlikely event that the scan fails, check CHKDSK.
3-Way# Run CHKDSK Check
A feature like SFC, CHKDSK, fixes file system errors and problems on your hard drive. Of all the fixes included in this article, this fix has the most potential to fix the error. For the check to run properly, you need to run three different commands in Command Prompt.
You can start by typing “cmd” into the Windows search bar. Then, right-click on the Windows Command Prompt app and select Run as administrator.
Then, type “CHKDSK” and press Enter to begin the process to identify potential issues. Remember that this command won’t fix any of your hard drive problems, but it will only let you know if they exist.
Running a CHKDSK Scan in Windows Command Prompt
If CHKDSK returns clean results, you can proceed to the next step. If it encounters problems with your hard drive, run the following two commands in Command Prompt just as you did before.
chkdsk /f: This command runs a deeper probe and corrects any errors it finds along the way.
chkdsk /r: This command tries to resolve any bad sectors that may be the root cause of the error being discussed.If none of the three checks is successful, continue applying the fixes below.
4-Way# Run Malware Scan
Hidden viruses on the computer can also be the reason why Windows is reporting hard disk error. Therefore, the next step should be to run a malware scan and eliminate the possibility of damage to the hidden malware.
You can run a scan with a reliable antivirus to remove malware. If you don’t have an antivirus installed, there are other ways to scan for viruses without the need for antivirus software.
5-Way# Restore the System to a Restore Point
Restoring Windows to a restore point is a great way to solve problems that cannot be fixed with traditional methods. Since it restores your entire system, it also undoes all the settings. Thus, it removes the possibility of a change in the settings that could result in such a problem.
To go back to the restore point, follow these steps:
Search for "create a restore point" in the Windows search bar.
Navigate to the System Protection tab under System Properties.
Click on the System Restore button.
Select the restore point you want to go back to and click Next.
Using a Restore Point on WindowsAfter that, follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer to a healthy state.
Once you have restored your computer, check if the error still exists. If you answered yes, then it’s most likely a hardware problem, and not the OS’s fault.
6-Way# Quit Hardware Issues
To confirm that a hardware issue is causing the error, you will have to dig deeper. So, roll up your sleeves, unplug your hard drive from your computer and connect it to another computer to see if you get the same error. If the other computer also starts showing the same error, it confirms that you need to replace the hard disk.
You should also watch for signs that your hard drive may be failing soon. Some of these signs include computer slowing down or freezing, frequent bad sectors, and strange noises coming from your hard drive.
If you are facing such indication and an error under discussion, it would be wise to have your computer or laptop checked by a technician if you do not want to deal with that person.
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