Electronic parts do not last forever, and moving electronic parts such as those hidden inside your computer's hard drive are even more likely to fail as time goes on. There are several things that can be done to prevent premature failure of a computer hard drive, all of which can be accomplished fairly easily and inexpensively.
Poor Hard Drive Installations Can Lead To Failures
One of the simplest, yet often overlooked things to look at that can contribute in a small way to a hard drive's demise is not properly installing it into the chassis of the computer. Most commercially purchased computers will be well assembled, but computers that are assembled by consumers can easily have the hard drive mounting screws either installed incorrectly or not installed at all. If a hard drive is installed incorrectly or if it is not adequately screwed down to the holder inside the case the drive can experience excess vibrations and/or jostling when the computer is moved. While this is by no means a primary cause of hard drive failure it still is worth checking the next time that the computer's case is opened for other routine maintenance.
Dust and Overheating Can Fry Delicate Electronics
As dust builds up on circuit boards, fans, and heat sinks the temperature inside the computer case can rise to dangerous levels. Excessive overheating can cause components such as the hard drive to wear out more quickly and begin producing bad sectors which are the harbinger of a looming drive failure. Once a year at least the vents and electronic components inside the computer case should be dusted using a can of compressed air. If possible, open the case while remaining grounded to prevent static discharge from your fingertips. Blow the compressed air onto the dirty areas of the computer while at the same time vacuuming the removed dust with the hose of a household vacuum cleaner
Poor Hard Drive Installations Can Lead To Failures
One of the simplest, yet often overlooked things to look at that can contribute in a small way to a hard drive's demise is not properly installing it into the chassis of the computer. Most commercially purchased computers will be well assembled, but computers that are assembled by consumers can easily have the hard drive mounting screws either installed incorrectly or not installed at all. If a hard drive is installed incorrectly or if it is not adequately screwed down to the holder inside the case the drive can experience excess vibrations and/or jostling when the computer is moved. While this is by no means a primary cause of hard drive failure it still is worth checking the next time that the computer's case is opened for other routine maintenance.
Dust and Overheating Can Fry Delicate Electronics
As dust builds up on circuit boards, fans, and heat sinks the temperature inside the computer case can rise to dangerous levels. Excessive overheating can cause components such as the hard drive to wear out more quickly and begin producing bad sectors which are the harbinger of a looming drive failure. Once a year at least the vents and electronic components inside the computer case should be dusted using a can of compressed air. If possible, open the case while remaining grounded to prevent static discharge from your fingertips. Blow the compressed air onto the dirty areas of the computer while at the same time vacuuming the removed dust with the hose of a household vacuum cleaner
