In this article, we’ll explore the 8 most common causes of reallocated sectors and what you can do to prevent or fix them. <\/mark><\/strong>We’ll also cover how to check your reallocated sector count and recommend a solution to help you monitor your hard drive errors, back up your data, and plan for a replacement after the useful lifespan of a hard drive<\/a>. Keep reading to learn more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reallocated sectors<\/a> are parts of a hard drive’s platter that can no longer be trusted to safely store data. Each sector is quite small, holding just 512 bytes of data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what happens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, your hard drive has noticed a problem with a part of the disk. Instead of saving your data there, which is risky, it moves the data to a safe part of the disk and continues on with what it was doing.<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The reallocated sector count can be an early warning sign of a failing hard drive, and increases in reallocated sectors are one of the telltale signs of a drive that\u2019s dying. Reallocation is a normal part of a hard drive’s operation, but when the reallocated sector count continues to increase, it can slow down your drive by 10% or more. Worse, you may no longer be able to open files containing missing data. Unless you enjoy living dangerously, back up your data regularly and consider buying a new hard drive when the count becomes too high. For more signs of hard drive failure<\/a>, check out this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no software or hardware fix to lower the reallocated sector count. If you attempt to open a hard drive to fix it, you could create more problems.<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So why do these happen and why do you get a warning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re experiencing issues with your hard drive, one possible cause could be reallocated sectors. There are several reasons why reallocated sectors may occur on a hard drive. In the following sections, we’ll explore eight potential causes of reallocated sectors and what you can do to prevent or fix them. So, if you want to learn more about how your hard drive works and how to keep it in good condition, keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical damage to the hard drive is one of the primary causes of bad sectors and reallocated sectors. It can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as dropping the drive, accidental impact, or natural disasters like floods or fires. Physical damage can cause significant harm to the internal components of the drive, such as platters or read\/write heads, resulting in bad sectors. Unfortunately, if physical damage occurs, it is not repairable and often requires the hard drive to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mechanical drive issues, such as motor failure or read\/write head failure, can cause bad sectors and reallocated sectors. The mechanical failure can happen due to various reasons, such as excessive usage, power surges, or mechanical stress. In some cases, mechanical issues may be repairable, but it requires professional data recovery services. If not repaired in a timely manner, the drive may continue to accrue bad sectors and may eventually become unusable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SSDs don\u2019t have the same problems, but can face other issues. Read our HDD vs SSD<\/a> guide to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n Overheating of the hard drive can also cause bad sectors and reallocated sectors. When a hard drive runs hot, it can cause damage to the internal components of the drive and increase the risk of sectors becoming bad. One of the primary reasons for overheating is a lack of proper ventilation, which can be caused by things like clogged air filters or a faulty cooling system. Overheating can be prevented by ensuring proper ventilation, and by limiting the use of the drive for long periods of time. For safe hard drive temps<\/a> and how to monitor them, click here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a computer is forced to shut down or experiences a sudden power loss, it can cause data corruption on the hard drive, even with modern hard drives. The sudden shutdown may interrupt the writing of a file and cause the data to become corrupted or locked. Possible connections between a forced shutdown and data corruption include unwritten HDD cache and interrupted disk updates. To prevent data corruption, it’s essential to ensure that the computer shuts down properly. If the issue persists, users should consider updating drivers or their computer’s BIOS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The presence of bad sectors can also cause reallocated sectors. If the hard drive has existing bad sectors, the drive may be more prone to having additional sectors fail, resulting in reallocated sectors. The presence of bad sectors is not repairable, and users should replace the drive as soon as possible to prevent further data loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intense drive usage for a longer duration can cause bad sectors and reallocated sectors. Heavy use can cause the drive’s internal components to wear out, leading to bad sectors. This can be prevented by limiting the use of the drive for long periods of time and allowing the drive to rest periodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corrupt files can cause bad sectors and reallocated sectors. If a file is corrupt, the drive may be unable to read it properly, causing damage to the sector. In most cases, the corrupt file can be deleted, and the sector can be marked as bad to prevent further issues.<\/p>\n\n\n Just like an aging person, an aging hard drive can also become more prone to developing bad sectors and reallocated sectors. Over time, the drive’s internal components can wear out, and the magnetic surfaces of the platters can degrade, leading to read and write errors. This can cause sectors to go bad and eventually result in reallocated sectors. Unfortunately, aging hardware is not repairable, and the only solution is to replace the hard drive. <\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If users notice a rise in their hard drive’s bad sector count, they should consider checking the drive’s age to determine if it’s the cause. As a general rule of thumb, hard drives that are over five years old are more likely to develop bad sectors and other issues<\/mark><\/strong>. To prevent data loss, users should back up their data regularly and replace the drive when it’s reaching the end of its lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Checking your reallocated sectors isn\u2019t difficult, but you will need a specialist app. While there are several available, we recommend our own program, Hard Disk Sentinel. Let\u2019s show you how to use the tool and then mention why we think it\u2019s the best choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what it looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your hard drive’s S.M.A.R.T. data shows an increased count of “ID 05 Reallocated Sector,” it’s a sign that your hard drive could be dying. Reallocated sectors are bad sectors that have been moved to another part of the disk, and there’s no way to fix them. If your data is important, make sure to back it up and consider buying a new hard drive. If your drive is still under warranty, you may be able to get a replacement, but don’t forget to back up your data first. Don’t panic, but take the backup seriously – it’s important for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n If you want to try to repair your drive, read our full guide on how to fix a hard drive failure<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n In short, no. CHKDSK was a great tool in the past. There are simply better options available now. CHKDSK is not useful for two reasons:<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are reallocated sectors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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8 Reasons for Reallocated Sector Count Warning<\/h2>\n\n\n\nPhysical Damage to the Drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mechanical Drive Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Overheating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hdsentinel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-test-hard-drive-speed-2-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nForced Shutdowns Can Cause Data Corruption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bad Sectors Cause Reallocation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Intense Drive Usage for a Longer Duration<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCorrupt File<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Aging Hardware Fails More Often<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Aging](\"https:\/\/hdsentinel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/aging-hardware-fails-more-often-1024x625.png\")
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How to Check Your Reallocated Sector Count<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
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We recommend Hard Disk Sentinel because it gives users a clear overview of the necessary information about their drives. It can be used to test, back up, and protect hard drives. The result is a complete and thorough solution to help you check your hard drive health<\/a> protect your data.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Hard](\"https:\/\/hdsentinel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/free-trial-hds-banner-1500-1024x302.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\nFixing Reallocated Sectors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nShould You Try CHKDSK Scan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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