When it comes to laptop and PC internals, the hard disk is vulnerable to damage, particularly the bad sector. Bad sector is a dangerous problem that can cause data loss. However, bad sectors can be repaired easily using the right method. Bad sector happens when a sector in the hard disk is damaged and fails to respond to computer commands. It can occur in both magnetic and solid-state drives, and can be caused by physical and software issues.
There are two types of bad sectors – the physical and the logical. Physical bad sector, often called hard bad sector, is a group of sectors that are physically damaged and unable to be fixed. Meanwhile, logical bad sector, also known as soft bad sector, is a collection of sectors that malfunction due to software errors or issues in the operating system. Soft bad sectors can be repaired by low-level formatting or using the Windows Disk Check program.
The causes of bad sectors are diverse. It can occur during the hard disk manufacturing process, where some products already experience damage during this stage. Physical bad sector can also happen when the hard disk is dropped, dust enters it, or due to the age factor. Meanwhile, soft bad sector can be caused by various viruses and malware.
The effect of bad sector can be quite troublesome for computer owners, especially for those with important data stored in their hard disk. Although the hard disk appears to work normally, some data in it becomes corrupt and irretrievable. Therefore, backing up data regularly is essential to prevent data loss caused by bad sectors.
To deal with bad sectors, Windows has a program called Disk Check tool or chkdsk. This tool scans the hard disk to locate bad sectors and repair soft bad sectors. For more complex issues, Windows will run Disk Check automatically when the computer is turned on. To use Disk Check, right-click on the drive you want to check in Windows Explorer, go to Properties, click on the Tools tab, and select Check now. Check both options to repair bad sectors thoroughly, or only the first option if you only need to check it.
In conclusion, bad sectors are a common problem in hard disks that can happen due to various factors. Physical bad sectors cannot be repaired, while soft bad sectors can be fixed using Disk Check or low-level formatting. To prevent data loss, it is recommended to back up data regularly and check the hard disk regularly using Disk Check.
