How to Solve Hard Drive Won't Spin
Quick Navigation:
- Part 1. Causes for Hard Drive Spinning Not Working
- Part 2. How to Fix Hard Drive Won't Spin
- Check to see if the Hard Drive Failure is due to Electrical Surge
- Troubleshoot the PCB
- Fix Stuck Disk Head
- Fix Seized Spindle Motor
- Part 3. How to Protect the Data in the Hard Drive that Won't Spin
- Step-by-step Guide to Recover Data from the Hard Drive
A non-spinning hard drive is a major issue that requires prompt attention. To address the problem, it's essential to identify the possible causes and attempt to fix it as soon as possible. If the issue persists, taking the hard drive to a repair service may be necessary, which could take several weeks to resolve. In the meantime, if data loss occurs, consider using a hard drive recovery solution like Qiling to recover the lost data and prevent further loss.
A hard drive may fail to spin due to various reasons, including electrical or mechanical issues, and can often be resolved. If the issue occurs while the PC is plugged in, it's essential to identify the cause and explore repair options. Possible causes and solutions will be discussed in this post.
Part 1. Causes for Hard Drive Spinning Not Working
If a hard drive doesn't spin when plugged in, it's likely due to firmware issues, insufficient power supply, or a heavy power surge, but other serious problems could also be the cause.
- Platter motor seizure
- The write/read head is trapped on the platter
- Electrical failure on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
When your external hard drive stops spinning, your computer may not recognize it, making it impossible to save or recover data. To resolve this issue, you can troubleshoot the hard drive by checking its connections, power source, and firmware. This process can help identify and potentially fix the problem, allowing you to use the hard drive again.
Part 2. How to Fix Hard Drive Won't Spin
To identify the cause of the non-working hard drive, try checking the power source, cables, and connections to ensure they are secure and functioning properly. Check for any signs of physical damage or wear on the hard drive itself, such as cracks or dents. Additionally, run a diagnostic test on the hard drive using the built-in diagnostic tools or a third-party software to determine if the issue is with the drive or the computer.
Check to see if the Hard Drive Failure is due to Electrical Surge
If you notice a burning smell from your hard drive, it's likely due to an electrical surge that has damaged the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). This may require replacing damaged components. If there's no burning smell, check the power supply by connecting the hard drive to another cable or PC. If the issue persists, it could be an electrical or mechanical fault, requiring a technician's visit.
Troubleshoot the PCB
A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the hard drive's component that enables electricity to transmit between different components, allowing the device to function optimally. Key components on the PCB include the Main Controller IC, Cache Chip, Motor Controller Chip, VS Diodes, Board Number, and ROM/BIOS. If any of these components fail, the hard drive may malfunction, potentially causing issues like the computer hard drive not spinning.
Before troubleshooting any other components on a PCB, it's essential to check the Diodes, as they are the most common components to fail. To do this, you'll need a multi-meter and a T8 screwdriver. Start by following the steps to test the Diodes, which will help you identify if they are indeed the faulty components.
- Step 1: Remove the PCB from the hard drive with the screwdriver.
- Step 2: Touch both ends of the diode with the two probes on the multimeter.
- Step 3: If the multi-meter beeps and displays a number close to zero when measuring a diode, it indicates that the diode is short, meaning it's not functioning properly and should be replaced.
- Step 4: If your external hard drive is not working, you can either replace the diode to continue using it or discard it and recover data from it using a professional data recovery tool.
Fix Stuck Disk Head
If a computer hard drive's disk head gets stuck, it can prevent the drive from spinning, leading to a non-spinning hard drive issue. To fix this, the hard disk should be taken offline, and the head should be manually positioned to the landing zone. If the head is stuck on the platter, it won't allow the disk to spin. In such cases, the drive may need to be serviced or replaced.
- Step 1: Remove the cover of the hard drive with a fitting screwdriver.
- Step 2: If the disk head is located on the platter, you need to return it to the landing zone using a hook-like instrument and a screwdriver.
- Step 3: Turn the screw to the middle of the spindle counter-clockwise with a screwdriver, then pull the head with a hook-like instrument to minimize the pressure on the platter.
- Step 4: If your external hard drive is not recognized by your PC, try unplugging the power cord and the USB cable from the hard drive, then plug the USB cable back in and turn on the power. If this doesn't work, try turning off your PC, unplugging the power cord and USB cable from the hard drive, wait for 30 seconds, then plug the power cord back in and turn on your PC. If the hard drive still doesn't work, try using a different USB port on your PC.
Fix Seized Spindle Motor
If your hard drive won't spin when plugged in, it might be due to a seized or damaged spindle motor, which would require swapping the platter, a task best left to a professional or a YouTube video guide if you're feeling adventurous.
Part 3. How to Protect the Data in the Hard Drive that Won't Spin
If your hard drive is damaged, you may need to recover data from a previous backup. If you don't have a backup, take the drive to a technician or use a professional backup tool like Qiling Disk Master to create one. If that's not possible, use Deep Data Recovery software to recover data from the damaged drive.
Deep Data Recovery is a tool designed to recover deleted or lost files from any device, ensuring safety and security, and compatibility with any hard drives.
Download the free trial version of Deep Data Recovery to scan for lost files.
Step-by-step Guide to Recover Data from the Hard Drive
To get started, download and install the software on your PC, then launch it and follow the steps.
Step 1: To recover data from a dead hard drive, first select the file types you want to recover. Since all files are selected by default, it's best to deselect everything and manually choose the specific files you need. Once you've selected the desired files, click "Next" to begin the recovery process. This will initiate the process of retrieving your data from the dead hard drive.
Step 2: To find or scan for lost data, select the desired location, which can be a specific location or partition, and then click the "Scan" button to initiate the search.
Step 3: Preview the files and recover them by clicking the "Recover" button. If you want a more thorough search, use the "Deep Scan" feature.
If your hard drive is not spinning, don't worry - we've got you covered. We've explored four different methods to resolve this issue, and if you're lucky, you might be able to recover your data in the process. To find the best solution for your specific problem, simply go through the options one by one and see which one works for you.
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