In simple terms, data corruption occurs when the data within a file or on a storage device is altered from its original state, rendering it unreadable or unusable. You’ve likely experienced this before: a photo that’s suddenly gray or distorted,...

A hard drive crash occurs when the actuator heads come in contact with the platters. Here’s what that means for your data (and what to do next).

Bad sectors occur when a hard drive cannot read certain data. Here’s how bad sectors occur and several tips for avoiding data loss.

Imagine taking your car to a mechanic that charges a flat rate for every service. Whether you’re getting a routine tune-up or a new transmission, you’ll pay a few hundred dollars. Most consumers wouldn’t trust the mechanic — especially with...

Data recovery software might fix a corrupted hard drive — or cause permanent data loss. Before attempting recovery, understand the risks.

All electronic devices need to be connected to a surge protector, and that’s particularly true for devices that store data. Hard drives rely on controllers, which allow the drive to transfer information to (and from) your computer. A sudden surge...

An improper PC shutdown probably isn’t a big deal — but it could cause a hard drive failure. Here’s an overview of the risks.

Operating a hard drive at over 10,000 feet can put data at risk. Here’s an explanation of why HDD failures are more common at high altitude.

On Oct. 9, 2019, Pacific Gas & Electric began intentionally cutting power to hundreds of thousands of customers in an effort to limit wildfires in Northern California. The move, which affected parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, also put...

Data recovery is usually an option, but in some cases, severe damage can put data at risk.