I accidentally dropped my Silicon Power U3 hard drive from my table, around a height of 3 feet. It was off at the time, and I've already run a first aid check on my Mac, which indicates there are no logical errors. I'm wondering how I can check if there are any internal parts damaged or if any of my files are corrupted. I really want to ensure everything is intact!
4 Answers
If it was powered off when you dropped it, the risk of damage is lower. Still, you should listen to it when using it—no weird noises like scraping or clicking means you're probably in the clear. Plus, running a SMART self-test can help check the health of the drive; it won't harm your data either! Just be cautious, and if you hear something strange, consider backing up data before further testing.
I wouldn't recommend opening the HDD myself; they're quite delicate and can get more damaged if not handled properly. If you're serious about repair, professional help is the way to go. Plus, it can be really tricky unless you have the right tools and environment for it!
Thanks for the advice! I guess I'll stick with using it cautiously and just back up my stuff for now.
To be honest, the only surefire way to check for file corruption is by comparing your files with backup copies. If you have backups of your important files, give them a check against what's on the hard drive. Even if everything seems okay now, that's the only full proof way to be certain!
That’s true! I only have a few files backed up. It makes me nervous not knowing about the others.
Yeah, it's tough to know for sure if something inside is broken. Usually, if a drive takes a fall but was off, it should be okay, but there can still be unseen damage. Make sure you have backups of your files. HDDs can fail unexpectedly, and it's good practice to keep your data safe.
Got it, I’ll run that test! Just to confirm, if everything seems normal in the test, should I feel safe using it as usual?