• 
  • Recovery Services
  • Devices
  • Operating Systems
• 
  • Diagnosing Problems
  • Common Symptoms
    • Categorizing Issues
    • File System Corruption
    • Deleted Files
    • Overwritten Files
    • Formatted Hard Drive
    • Reinstalled OS
    • Enclosures
    • Electronics
    • Firmware
    • Motor
    • Bearings
    • Heads
    • Platters
  • Preventing Failures
• 
  • Lectures & Coursework
  • Research Partners
  • Internships
• 
  • Quick Tips
    • "Not So Fast..."
  • Press Releases
    • "Website Release"
• 
• 

File System Corruption

Symptoms

• The computer will not boot or "hangs" during booting.
• A Windows computer may display a "blue screen" or a "Windows Started Abnormally" menu.
• A Mac may display a question mark folder on start or "crash in UNIX."
• Files or folders “disappear” when clicked or they are missing altogether.
• Files or folders will not open or contain improper data.

Common Causes

• Transitory or intermittent hard drive physical problems.
• Hard drive head or platter damage.
• Viruses or faulty programs.
• Powering down the computer without choosing "Shut Down."
• Improperly installed software updates.