Can I fix a bad sector of my hard drive?

When you are using the computer and you start to notice it is acting odd, you could have a bad sector on your hard drive. The first thing you should do is quickly back-up all your files. Typically a bad sector can lead to a system crash and your only option is to buy a hard drive. If the bad sector on your hard drive isn't permanently damaged, you may be able to fix it with simple diagnostics and some software that scans the computer and repairs the problems.

You can download software for free or a low cost and it will scan the system to fix a bad sector. It's better to install software to fix a bad sector than to use the system fixes because they aren't quite as thorough and they don't always properly repair a bad sector. Nonetheless, here is what you need to do to fix a bad sector:

1. Click on `My Computer'
   
2. Select the disk that needs repair. You can do a diagnostics scan if you aren't sure which disk needs to be repaired.
   
3. Click on `Properties' and select the drive
   
4. Click on `Tools'
   
5. Click on `Check Now' where you see the icon for `Error Checking Status'
   
6. Click on `Scan for and Attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors'
   
7. Click on `Start'

This is the system scan that should diagnose and check for the problem you have on your disk. If the problem is minimal, it should be fixed in a matter of minutes and a reboot of the computer. If the problem is big, try downloading the software to fix it. If not, you will need a new hard drive. If the system has physical damage, you will be unable to repair it. Most computers will remap to another sector when it calculates that one sector is bad and it will start to degrade the disk until a complete system crash. Even if your computer is able to repair the bad sector, it's still a good idea to purchase a new hard drive and back-up your data as the bad sector may have problems again. Usually once a problem with a bad sector happens one, the hard drive is doomed.

Once you have attempted to fix a bad sector, start shopping for a new hard drive. While some people swear by repair and hard disk spare sectors that allow for fixes, they aren't always reliable. It's better to be safe than sorry and to back-up your data and replace the hard drive as soon as possible so you don't lose everything.

Here is what you need to do to install a new hard drive. First, shop around for the best price because replacing a hard drive can get pretty expensive. Second, relax, you can replace the hard drive on your own and you don't need to pay for a professional to install it for you. Third, follow this easy process to install a new hard drive:

1. Back-up everything on the hard drive.

2. Shut down your computer and disconnect all the cables and then open the case. Be sure you have an antistatic wristband on so you don't get shocked in case some power is still surging thorough the system.

3. Locate the hard drive and remove it from the system

4. Remove the new hard drive from the packaging and connect it to the motherboard unit. Use all the cables to connect the two devices together. You will need a small screwdriver to properly secure the replacement drive.

5. Reconnect all of the power cables and everything else and power on your computer.

6. Wait a few seconds while the computer tests the new hard drive to make sure everything is working properly.

7. Install your memory that has been back-up on an external hard drive or USB devices. This will allow you to use your computer as you used to.