Troubleshooting Basic Problems

Sometimes basic problems can cause hard drive failure. In this article we look at different types of basic problems and how to troubleshoot them to solve data recovery cases.

Motor Stuck

Symptoms:
• Motor not spinning
• Beeping or buzzing sounds
• Motor controller repeatedly attempts to spin up the spindle motor

Hard Drive Lid Compressed Into Spindle Motor

The hard drive lid is weakest at the centre point where it covers the platter. It can be bent or compressed into the spindle motor, causing it to seize and jam. Often you will see circular scratch marks inside the lid.

hard drive lid compressed into spindle motor seizure data recovery

Common causes:
  • Drive gets sat on
  • Drive gets stood on
  • Drive gets compressed in luggage
  • Heavy weight placed on top of hard drive

Hard Drive Lid Seal Stretched or Damaged

Hard drive lids have a seal that runs around the outside edge of the hard drive. This seal can get damaged when an unskilled person removes the lid. If the seal is stuck to the hard drive chassis, it can stretch, tear, or become displaced. A damaged seal can make contact with the platters and cause motor spin-up failure.

hard drive lid seal damaged data recovery

Method:
  • When opening a lid, always apply slow gentle force and watch for correct seal removal.
  • The seal should remain intact inside the lid.
  • The seal should never get caught in screw holes because it can damage the seal when fastening screws.