Protect your files! Signs your hard drive is on its last legs and what to do about it
You’re cruising along when, suddenly, your computer starts misbehaving. Webpages are lagging, programs are slow to open, and then (uh oh), the blue screen of death or a spinning wheel.
It could be any number of things, but there’s a chance your trusty hard drive is giving out. “Kim! My files!” Yes, I know that’s what’s on your mind. But stay calm. There are ways to make sure your data remains safe and sound.
Before anything goes wrong
Protection begins with prevention, long before those data alarms can ring.
Regular backups: Imagine never worrying about losing important pictures, videos, work documents and everything else on your computer. Spoiler: You don’t have to stress if you do regular backups. You can do this to an external drive, but cloud backups are easier. Oh, and if you don’t want to think about it, you can always set up automated backups. I recommend IDrive. Use my name and get 90% off the first year.
Scan and repair disk errors: Your computer has built-in ways to make sure nothing is going wrong behind the scenes. Disk Utility for Mac and CHKDSK for Windows can help scan and repair potential disk errors.
Check for updates: Regular system updates bring performance fixes and security enhancements that can save your data. Stop hitting “Remind me later.”
Antivirus and antimalware software: The days of getting by without software to protect your machine are over. Make it a habit to run routine system scans. My pick is TotalAV.
Surge protection: Electrical spikes can wreak havoc on hardware. Investing in a surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) shields you from that. Your data will thank you later!
Signs that should make you nervous
The early signs of data loss are subtle. Be on the lookout for these warnings.
Unusual sounds: A strange clicking or grinding sound could be a sign something’s amiss, like the read/write heads scraping the hard disk platters. (Only the nerds know what that means.) If you have an SSD, you don’t hear anything, though.
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Third-party smartphone accessories are often convenient and affordable, especially in a pinch. The facts, however, suggest that using unauthorized things like chargers could put your household at risk.
Even trustworthy companies have problems with their products at times. One couple learned this valuable lesson after a fire almost destroyed their Maryland home recently. The brand behind the power bank is already pulling products from its site.