The hard drive communicates with the outside world through breathing holes with ultra-fine filter paper. It can be used in a typical indoor environment without purification devices, but in dusty environments, dust can accumulate on the PCBA surface, inside the spindle motor, and clog the breathing filter. Therefore, special attention must be paid to dust prevention. Additionally, high humidity and unstable voltage can also cause hard drive damage.
Sudden power loss while the hard drive is operating can cause the read/write head to crash against the platters, damaging the hard drive, and prevent the read/write head from properly returning, leading to scratches on the hard drive. Always check if the hard drive indicator light on the panel is still flashing before shutting down; only turn off the power once the hard drive light stops flashing and all read/write operations are completed. If possible, using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to prevent voltage instability or power outages is recommended.
When moving the hard drive, it's best to wait about ten seconds after shutting down to ensure it has completely stopped spinning. During startup, the hard drive spins at high speed, and even slight vibrations can cause the platters to scrape against the read/write head, resulting in bad sectors or damage to the head. Therefore, do not move the hard drive or the case while powered on. Wait for about ten seconds after shutdown until the hard drive stops spinning before moving the main unit or restarting the power to avoid potential damage from power surges.
Be cautious during the installation and removal of the hard drive. Collisions are strictly prohibited during moving or transporting the hard drive. It is best to use foam or sponge packaging for protection to minimize vibration. Note: The hard drive manufacturers’ claims of “shock resistance” or “shock protection systems” refer to protection against shock when the hard drive is powered off, not while powered on.
The manufacturing and assembly process of the hard drive occurs in an absolutely dust-free environment. General users should not attempt to open the hard drive cover; otherwise, dust from the air may enter the hard drive. Dust or debris caused by the fast-spinning read/write head may damage the head or platter, resulting in data loss. Even if the hard drive can still be used, its lifespan will be greatly shortened, and it may even render the hard drive completely unusable.
The operational status and lifespan of the hard drive are greatly influenced by temperature. The optimal working temperature for a hard drive is 20–25°C. Temperatures that are too high or too low can alter the main frequency of the crystal oscillator and cause the circuit components to fail. Thermal expansion can also lead to recording errors; at low temperatures, moisture in the air can condense on circuit components, causing short circuits.
When humidity is too high, a layer of water film may adhere to the surfaces of electronic components, causing oxidation and corrosion of the circuits, leading to poor contact or even short circuits. This may also change the magnetic properties of the media, resulting in read/write errors. When humidity is too low, large amounts of static electricity generated from machine movement can accumulate, potentially damaging CMOS circuits and attracting dust that harms the head and scratches the platters. The recommended humidity in the machine room is 45-65%. Additionally, avoid placing the hard drive near strong magnetic fields, such as speakers, to prevent data from being damaged due to magnetization.
Regularly organizing the hard drive can improve speed. If fragmentation accumulates too much, not only will read efficiency decrease, but it can also damage the tracks. However, avoid frequently organizing the hard drive, as this can also reduce its lifespan.
The hard drive is a prime target for computer viruses, so it is important to use the latest antivirus software for protection. Regularly scan and disinfect the hard drive, and ensure that important data is protected and frequently backed up. It is also advised not to run unknown applications or open email attachments carelessly. Always check for viruses or trojans before execution.
When maintaining the computer, hold the hard drive by its sides to avoid direct contact with the circuit board on its back. Always handle it gently and avoid collisions with other hard objects. Do not touch the circuit board on the back of the hard drive, as static electricity from your hands can damage electronic components, leading to malfunction. Also, do not connect or disconnect the drive while it is powered on.
If budget allows, using a Disk Array is the most recommended method for protecting hard drive data. To ensure 24/7 uninterrupted operation, hard drive failure is one of the most common obstacles. Selecting a suitable Disk Array system can minimize the impact of hard drive failures. RAID 1 and 5 are commonly used protection methods. If you do not want operations to halt due to hard drive failures, a Disk Array is an essential device.
Avoid performing low-level formatting on the hard drive lightly, as it can unnecessarily affect the performance of the platters.
This also affects the performance of the platters. If you do not need to repartition, you can use the quick format command with the parameter "Q".
If bad sectors appear on the hard drive, even one sector can have a devastating impact. If it is within the warranty period, quickly contact the original seller for replacement or repair. If it is out of warranty, minimize formatting of the hard drive to reduce the spread of bad sectors.
Utilize various disk tools, such as the built-in disk cleanup in the operating system, to regularly clean your hard drive. This can improve the overall performance of the system.
To prevent unforeseen circumstances, regularly backing up hard drive data is essential, especially the operating system, software, and configuration files, which should be backed up frequently. When encountering hard drive issues and replacing with a new hard drive, this allows for quicker reestablishment of service.
As compressed files increase in size, the read/write data of the hard drive will significantly slow down. If the hard drive's capacity is sufficient, there is no need to use hard drive compression techniques.
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