I'm frustrated because it seems like I end up buying a new external hard drive every year, which doesn't make sense to me. I keep my hard drive plugged into my laptop all the time, and I don't travel with it, so it's not like it's getting damaged physically. I even switched to an SSD based on recommendations that they're more durable since they have fewer moving parts. Typically, I spend about $200 on a hard drive, and it feels annoying to have to keep replacing them.
I need the external drive because my work laptop is old and has limited storage, and I also use a large monitor. Here are my specific questions:
1. Is leaving the hard drive plugged in all the time causing the problem?
2. Should I consider buying one of those larger external drives that hold around 18-20TB?
3. Is there a better storage solution out there that I might not be aware of?
4. I use a service that automatically backs up my computer every day. When it's time to transfer data from my old external hard drive to a new one, would it be better to download the files from that server or copy them from the old hard drive? I've had issues with files becoming corrupted, especially with programs like Illustrator and Photoshop. Thanks for any insights!
4 Answers
Regarding your other questions, going for larger hard drives can be a good investment if you're running out of space. The book-like external drives can be more reliable and often come with better cooling systems. However, a NAS setup might be the ultimate solution if you're looking to store a ton of data. It's a bit of an investment upfront but could be more efficient and stable in the long run.
Honestly, it shouldn't be necessary to replace an external hard drive every year unless there's an issue. My drives often last several years without needing a replacement. Can you tell us how they’re failing? Like, what’s happening that makes you think they’re breaking down? If they’re just not appearing on your computer or getting corrupted, it could be a sign of a faulty connection or even an issue with the USB port you're using.
Correct, if they're corrupting files, it's definitely not typical. Consider testing your drives on another computer to see if the same problems occur.
It sounds like you're facing a frustrating situation with your drives! Generally, external hard drives, whether SSDs or HDDs, should last much longer than a year. If you haven't had significant physical issues like dropping them, there may be another underlying problem, such as poor power supply or potential heat issues. Have you noticed any unusual sounds or performance drops? Maybe some electronic problems are affecting them. It could also help to monitor your drive's activity with Task Manager to see if something's constantly writing data to it.
Yeah, I agree! I also think about environment factors – like power surges or even unstable power outlets that could be damaging your drives. If you're using them in an area with unstable electricity, maybe consider using a surge protector?
Lastly, about your backup system, I recommend copying files directly from your backup service when transferring rather than moving files from your failing drive. This way, you reduce the risk of transferring corrupted data. Good luck with everything!
Yeah, a NAS setup is great because it can back up your data automatically and you won’t need to replace physical drives as often.