External hard drives allow users to back up their data while giving them access to more storage space. However, like any device, they will eventually slow down or fail completely. When this happens, a skilled data repair technician may be able to recover your files, but knowing the warning signs can help prevent this unfortunate situation from occurring in the first place. The guide below explores some of the indicators to watch out for.

What Is an External Hard Drive?

External hard drives are the same hardware you might have in your desktop or PC, enclosed in their own case. This design offers the ability to take the hard drive to another computer, where you can access backup files with ease.

Unfortunately, they also have many small, delicate parts—including the read/write head, which interprets and passes on the data that has been stored on platters within the hard drive. These can easily be damaged if the drive is dropped or handled roughly. They are also susceptible to water damage and overheating, which is why hard drives, and other electronic devices, should not be left in hot cars.

Signs of a Failing Hard Drive

If your hard drive is making strange sounds, like a screeching or clicking noise, one of the platters may be damaged or the read/write head may be unable to access the asked-for data. The device might also be receiving the power it needs. In these cases, your hard drive might start to lag or fail to open files on the first try. Some problems will also cause frequent error messages, which should be checked out by a data repair expert as soon as possible.

Caring for Your External Hard Drive

Not all hard drive issues give warning signs, so it’s important to care for this important part of your data recovery system. First, treat it as gently as you would your desktop or laptop computer, and always put it in a protective case when traveling.

Like any other hard drive, external storage devices are also vulnerable to malware and viruses—especially if you are in the habit of saving emails or attachments from social media sites to them. Therefore, always keep your security software up-to-date. If you believe you’ve attached the hard drive to an infected computer, take it to a data repair professional immediately.

If your external storage devices have been acting up, bring them in to Techie Dudes for a free assessment. Their team has over 65 years’ experience serving businesses and individuals throughout the St. Paul, MN, area, and has made a name for itself delivering fast, responsive service at your home or office. Visit their website for more on their data recovery services, follow their Facebook for more tech tips and updates, or call (651) 330-6483 to discuss your hard drive issues with an expert today.