The Deadly Harddisk Corruption

June 2, 2008. I've been in a not so good mood. Then suddenly a unexpected event happened to my computer. It hanged, and then I can't even enter on the OS (even on safe mode).

I tried to re-install my OS to prevent file loss. Before, re-installing saved me from computer crashes, but now is different. My computer is in a state of major slowdown, about it takes so many minutes to enter the OS, many minutes to execute a program. One of my problems is that I can't even run my CD burner program because of the slowdown, so I can't backup my files (luckily I've recently saved our pictures on a CD). Tried running it on safe mode, but it also won't work. My only hope is my 256mb Mp3 player turned flash drive (The Mp3 won't work, but still can save files). I tried to compress many files as much as I can, and had saved some important files.

Sadly, I lost many files. Downloaded games, pictures and documents.

As I try to find a solution, I realized that there is only one solution that can save me from this problem. Reformat.

After hours of formatting and installation, my computer is now back at It's normal state.

So what are the signs that your hard drive is corrupted. Here is what I've noticed before the crash.

1. Slowdown. It could be slowdown of the programs, the games, the startup, etc.

2. Application Crashes.

3. Brownouts, causing in improper shutdowns.

So what are the solutions and preventive measures that you should do if you have those symptoms?

1. Backup your files. Specially the most important files. You'll never know when your disk may come corrupt.

2. Perform Scandisk. Don't skip scandisk if your computer goes into improper shutdown.

3. Virus Scan. Maybe, a virus is the cause of the slowdown.

4. Delete unnecessary files and programs. They are just waste in your drive.

You don't have to be an IT expert to do this preventive measures. Better prevent the crash rather than fixing it.