[Guide for Beginners] How to Fix Hard Drive Error and Recover Data? (2023)

Hard disks are the primary storage media that is installed on a PC or laptop. They store all your important data and files. If the hard disk starts encountering issues, then it will cause errors frequently. You will have to fix hard disk errors if you want to save the data present on your hard drive.

Hard drive errors are a common sight for Windows users. You see these errors when Windows starts having difficulty in accessing the data stored on the hard drive. From viruses to human error to poor system maintenance, hard drives can start behaving abnormally for several reasons. And data loss can be the result. In the article, you can learn how to perform hard drive diagnostics and fix hard disk errors. After the hard drive error is fixed, you can learn to recover data.

How to Perform a Hard Drive Diagnostic?

The hard drive is the most dependable unit of any computer system. If it is not performing up to the mark, then it isn't easy to keep the system in order. The main portion of any computer system i.e., the OS, resides on the hard drive, and for the same reason, it is crucial to note that the hard drive health is very important. If a user feels that the hard drive is not working properly, then it is very important to note that the hard drive diagnostics should be carried out. There are several ways of doing so, and the most important ones are listed below.

Check Disk feature
It is a built-in function of the OS and is there to help the users since inception. The path to be followed is Start > right click on the drive that is to be scanned > Properties > Tools > check Now. It will remove any issues on the hard drive that has been selected. Bad sectors, cross-linked files, lost clusters, and directory related issues will be resolved in full.

SMART Scans
Manufacturers of most of the modern hard drives make sure that the self-implementing system is there to make sure that the issues of the hard drive are not only reported but also resolved. It is also known as S.M.A.R.T scans, and these are carried out by the disk itself, allowing the users to review the report and the problems the hard drives encounter. It also makes sure that the fixture is also recommended for a specific issue.

Third-party programs
There are tens of thousands of diagnostic software programs that make sure that the hard drive errors are detected and resolved once the program runs. These are both freeware and paid utilities to aid the users in this regard to make sure that the best is done to their hard drives, so they get out of the issue ASAP.

How to Fix Different Hard Drive Errors?

Usually, there are common error codes during hard drive diagnostic. Following is a list of the most common error codes that a person encounters while running a hard drive diagnostic. The list has massive data, but only those codes have been mentioned here that pop up frequently, irritating the users.

1 Error Code 0142

This hard drive error straight away means that the hard drive has gone bad and requires an immediate replacement. The SATA or IDE cable replacement in this regard might work for some users, but it is only a way around not a proper solution. The full error code which appears is "Hard Drive (d) - S/N (s), self-test unsuccessful. Status = (x)"

2 Error Code 0145

The hard drive error code means that the self-test did not complete due to timeout. The main cause and the reason for this issue are when a user tries to run the manufacturer diagnostic test using the SSD when it applies to IDE/SATA. However, the most common cause is SSD hard drive failure. The related error code is "Hard Drive (name) – Self Test did not complete."

3 Error Code 43

This error applies to windows 7, server 2008, 2012, and vista. The related error and the description that appears is "Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)." The device driver notifies the windows that a particular device, which in this case is the hard drive, has failed to work, and it can also be caused due to device driver failure.

4 Error Code 7

There are three main causes of the subjected error i.e., BIOS not in order, Faulty RAM, Registry issues. The error description is read as "The file I386Ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded. The hard drive error code is 7." Several self-diagnostic tools are available online to make sure that the issue is resolved. The one available at http://errortools.com/windows/how-to-fix-error-code-7/ could be of great help for the users in this regard.

5 Fixing Error Code 0142

As the hard drive is to be replaced in this regard, so the complete process is as follows:

Once the data has been saved using any utility, a new hard drive is to be purchased

The computer lid is to be opened to proceed further:

Once the hard drive case is located, the screws are to be removed:

The hard drive is to push into the cover after connecting the ports to resolve the issue and complete the process in full:

6 Fixing Error Code 0145

Upgrading the hardware can make it possible for the users of both Windows and Mac OS to resolve the issue. The steps are:

The startup items are to be analyzed as a first step of the process:

In the second step, the hard drive is to be cleaned:

The programs creating the issues should be examined to proceed with the process:

Once it has been done the OS is to be reinstalled to remove the error code 0145

7 Fixing Hard Drive Error Code 43

The following steps are involved in this regard:

The user needs to type sysdm.cpl after following the path Start >Run so that the desired interface appears:

The user then needs to press the hardware tab > device manager:

The disk drive is to be right-clicked to make sure that the uninstall option is clicked and the latest drivers and then to be downloaded from the manufacturer's website to make sure that the issue is resolved.

8 Fixing Error Code 7

It is caused due to RAM disorders most of the time. The following is a quick fixture in this regard which guarantees a sure resolution:

The RAM type is to be checked as a first step of the process:

Once the purchase has been made, the computer lid is to be opened:

Within the RAM socket, the old one is to be removed, and a new one is to be installed to complete the process:

How to Fix Hard Disk Errors Through CHKDSK?

Chkdsk is a useful command-line tool that can be used to fix hard disk errors.

Step 1Click on your hard disk once to highlight and select it after having double-clicked on the My Computer icon located on the desktop. You will see a dialog box appearing after you have right-clicked on the hard disk.

Step 2Press the Properties option and then the Tools option in the dialog box that appears.

Step 3Press 'Check Now' below Error-checking. You will see a window showing the Check Disk Options.

Step 4Utilize any one of the below-mentioned processes:

• Press 'Start' if you want Chkdsk to be executed in read-only mode.
• Press 'Start' after check-marking the 'Automatically fix file system errors' option if you don't want to scan the hard disk for bad sectors.
• Press 'Start' after check-marking the 'Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors' option if you want to find and recover information from bad sectors along with fixing hard disk errors.

While the method mentioned above to fix hard disk errors is exceptionally potent, it is not always able to get the job done. In such circumstances, it becomes necessary for you to recover data from a hard disk or you will risk losing all of the data that is contained on it.

Recover Data After The Drive Error Is Fixed

The Wondershare Recoverit data recovery software is one of the best hard drive recovery software that is available in the market to make sure that the issue of data recovery is no match at all. It makes sure that the users of all tech levels can use the program with great ease and satisfaction. For the same reason, it is to be noted that the program supports "Partition Recovery," "Deleted File Recovery," "RAW Hard Drive Recovery."

Here is a guide containing step-by-step instructions on how to use Recoverit Data Recovery software to recover data from Seagate, WD, or Toshiba hard disk.

Step 1Choose the location where you lost your important files, photos, videos, etc.

Step 2 Press the "Start" button to scan the drive or disk.

Step 3Preview and Recover the data on Recoverit.

Hard disk errors can lead to file loss issues if they are not tackled in a timely fashion. You can use various methods to repair and fix hard disk errors. Chkdsk is one of the best options that you can utilize for this purpose. However, if you wish to perform data recovery from the hard disk, then it would be best for you to useRecoverit data recovery software.