SSD Upgrade | MacBook Pro Hard Drive Replacement

Steps To Fix Hard Drive Failure

You turn your computer on and nothing happens. The first feeling you experience is panic, and then it moves to fear. The fear is that your data is gone and there is nothing you can do. But don’t panic. There are steps you can take to fix a hard drive failure. You can always call ClickAway for a free quote to get your data recovered by a professional technician. We have the tools and the know-how necessary to recover as much of your data as possible from your damaged hard drive. First, let’s discuss the recovery steps.

• Clean Out the Computer Vents

Over time, dust and debris will visibly clog up the vents on your computer. When your computer vents are clogged, air cannot flow properly through your computer case and your computer can overheat. Clean out your vents and let your computer sit overnight to cool off. As long as there is no serious damage, it should start right up the next day. ClickAway also provides a computer cleaning service if you prefer to have us do it to fix hard drive failure.

• Check the Power and Data Cables

Your hard drive has power and data cables that connect to it from the computer power supply and motherboard. Open your case and check these cables at both ends. One of the key things to remember when learning how to fix hard drive failure is to check everything. Never assume it is your hard drive that is having problems because it could be something else in your computer.

If your power and data cables are plugged in properly to your hard drive and those cables are not frayed, then check the other ends. Your hard drive’s power cable could be frayed at the power supply. If that is the case, then use a different power plug from your power supply. If the data cable is bad, then replace it.

• Check Your Bios

Your problem could be your operating system. As your computer powers up, it will give you a prompt telling you what button to press to get into the BIOS. Press that button and then make sure the computer is seeing your hard drive. If the hard drive is being recognized by the BIOS, then it is an issue with your operating system. You may be able to find a fix online, or you may need to bring your computer to a technician.

• Listen for Sounds

If your computer beeps when you turn it on or you hear a loud clicking noise, then you need get your computer to one of our certified technicians immediately. Whenever your operating system is on, it is writing to and reading from your drive. The longer you allow the damaged drive to try and run your operating system, the more data you could be losing. Instead of taking any chances, we strongly recommend that you give ClickAway a call and set up a time to bring your computer in and allow us to recover your data for you.

You’ll need to replace the hard drive in your computer for one of two reasons: either your current drive has experienced a hardware failure and needs replaced or you want to upgrade your primary hard drive for increased speed or capacity. Replacing the hard drive is a pretty easy task that anyone can complete with a little help. ClickAway hard drive upgrade services is always here if you need us.

Steps to replace the hard drive

1. First, you’ll need to back up any data you want to keep, uninstall the old hard drive, install the new hard drive, and then restore the backed up data. Backing up the data you want to keep is the most important step in this process! The hard drive isn’t the valuable thing—it’s the priceless files you’ve created and collected over the years. Backing up could mean something as simple as copying files you want over to a large flash drive or other storage you’re not using. Better yet, if you’re not backing up regularly already, use this as an opportunity to start with a cloud backup service so you never even run the chance of losing a file again.
2. Uninstalling the existing hard drive is easy. Make sure your computer is turned off and then disconnect the hard drive and physically remove it. The details here depend on the type of computer you have but in general, this means removing data and power cables or sliding the hard drive out from the bay that it’s installed into.
3. Installing the new hard drive is as simple as reversing the steps you took to uninstall the one you’re replacing! Secure the drive where the old one was before and then reconnect the same power and data cables.
4. Once your computer is back on, it’s time to format the hard drive so it’s ready to store files. Once that’s done, copy the data you backed up to the new drive and you’re set!

A free diagnosis at ClickAway can identify if a new hard drive or hard drive replacement is warranted. We are happy to replace the hard drive for you.