Why can't I format damaged HDD?

Why can't format damaged HDD?

December 10, 2023 Vexus

It is quite common for a hard drive (HDD) or SSD to face problems such as damaged sectors, the so-called bad blocks, which can make it difficult or even unable to access partitions, folders and files. When this happens, the first reaction of many users is to try to solve the problem on their own, in a “do-it-yourself” process, often opting to format the device in the hope of “fixing” it. However, if the goal is to recover the stored data, this is not the best approach — in fact, it can be a serious mistake.

We, unfortunately, still receive many cases of hard drives with damaged sectors that have been formatted.

In this article, we will explore why formatting a damaged hard drive is a bad idea, what can happen to your drive, and how to proceed to maximize the chances of recovery.

The Problem of Formatting a Hard Drive with Damaged Sectors

Formatting a hard drive with bad sectors seems like a simple solution, but it is a risky path when it comes to data recovery. The formatting process erases file allocation information and, in some cases, can overwrite existing data. If the disk is already compromised by bad blocks or corruption, this action can make the situation worse. Here are some problems that this can cause:

Irreversible data loss: Formatting eliminates the tables that organize files, and on a damaged disk, this can make the data unrecoverable, especially if the bad sectors already make it difficult to read.
Overwrite data: When you format a disk, it can overwrite areas that contain data that you are trying to recover. This reduces the chances of recovering lost files, especially if you start using the disk after formatting.
Increased technical difficulty: Recovering data from a damaged hard drive is already a challenge. Formatting can further corrupt the logical structures of the disk, such as the partition table or the file system, requiring more advanced and expensive techniques.
TRIM command on SSD: In devices such as SSDs or SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) HDs, the TRIM command, activated by default, "zeros" the sectors marked as free after formatting, compromising the integrity of the files that could be recovered.

These factors make the recovery process much more complex and, in some cases, impossible. Therefore, the recommendation is clear: do not format the HD or SSD if you want to save your data.

What Causes a HD to Become Damaged?

Hard drives can be damaged for a number of reasons. Falls or physical impacts can misalign internal components, such as the reading heads or magnetic platters. Electrical failures, such as power surges, are also common, and can burn circuits or corrupt data. In addition, natural wear and tear over time — especially in older HDs — can lead to the appearance of defective sectors. In SSDs, the problem may be related to the exhaustion of memory cells or controller failures. Regardless of the cause, the result is the same: difficulty or impossibility of accessing files.

Is It Possible to Recover a Damaged HD?

Yes, in many cases it is possible to recover data from a damaged HD or SSD, but success depends on several factors: the extent of the damage, the type of failure (physical or logical) and, most importantly, the actions taken after the problem is identified. Companies specialized in data recovery use advanced tools, such as clean rooms for physical repairs and sophisticated software to rebuild corrupted file systems. The key is to avoid amateur interventions, such as formatting, which can compromise the process.

How Much Does It Cost to Recover Data from a Damaged HD?

The cost of recovery varies greatly. For simple logical failures, such as data corruption, the cost can start at a few hundred reais. In cases of serious physical damage — such as broken heads or scratched platters — the price can reach thousands of reais, depending on the complexity and urgency. Specialized companies usually offer a free assessment to estimate the cost and chances of success.

Is It Possible to Recover Files After Formatting a Damaged Hard Drive?

Recovering data after formatting a healthy hard drive is more difficult, but it is possible with tools that scan sectors for traces of files. However, on a hard drive with physical damage, such as defective sectors, formatting increases the difficulty exponentially. This is because the process requires reading many more sectors to try to rebuild the folder and file structure, and bad blocks can prevent access to crucial parts of the data. In short, the chances decrease drastically, and the work becomes more time-consuming and expensive.

What to Do Instead of Formatting?

If your hard drive or SSD is experiencing problems, the first step is to stop using it immediately to prevent further damage or overwriting. Then, seek out a company specializing in data recovery. These professionals have the equipment and knowledge necessary to deal with physical and logical failures, maximizing the chances of saving your information. Trying home solutions, such as formatting the disk, can turn a recoverable situation into a permanent loss.

So, remember: if your goal is to recover your data, formatting a damaged hard drive is a risk that is not worth taking. Invest in professional help and preserve what really matters.